Purpose: Following restorative proctocolectomy, seven cases with staple line ulcer around the pouch anal anastomosis and/or staple line in the ileal pouch were experienced. Their clinical, endoscopical characteristics were analyzed.
Methods: The patients noted anal bleeding following restorative proctocolectomy were examined with colonofiberscopy and histological study was conducted.
Results: Staple line ulcer was seens in seven cases (2.3%, 7/304). The onset was immediate or within 2 months postoperatively in 5 cases. Bleeding occurred in all the patients and lower abdominal pain, anal pain, increased bowel movements and anal fissure were seen frequently. Ulcers were linear along the staple line and there were no cases complicated by simultaneous pouchitis. Most of the patients responded to treatments with metronidazol, 5-ASA, and topical or oral steroids, although one patient required ligation of bleeding ulcer and two complicated perianal excoriation required ileostomy.
Conclusion: Staple line ulcer should be recognized as different complication to pouchitis.