Handsewn Versus Stapled IPAA in Redo Setting: Indications, Patient Characteristics, Operative, Functional, and Quality-of-Life Outcomes

BACKGROUND: The impact of the type of anastomosis on the outcomes of redo IPAA is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the indications, perioperative outcomes, and functional outcomes in patients undergoing stapled vs handsewn redo IPAA. DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: This investigation is based on a single academic practice group experience with redo IPAA. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent redo IPAA for ileal pouch failure between September 2016 and May 2020 were included in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Indications, perioperative outcomes, functional outcomes, restrictions, and quality-of-life scores were compared between stapled and handsewn groups. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients underwent redo IPAA for ileal pouch failure of whom 76 (72%) had handsewn and 29 (28%) had stapled reanastomosis. The interval between the index and redo IPAA was shorter in stapled redo IPAA (median (interquartile range), Stapled: 3 years (1-4) vs handsewn: 7 years (3-17), p < 0.001). Handsewn anastomosis was more commonly used after pelvic sepsis (handsewn: n = 57 (76%) vs stapled: n = 13 (45%), p = 0.002). Overall postoperative morbidity was similar between the 2 groups (handsewn: n = 38 (50%) vs stapled: n = 16 (55%), p = 0.635). The number of bowel movements, pad use, daily restrictions, and Cleveland Global Quality of Life scores were similar between stapled and handsewn groups. Although daytime seepage was more common after handsewn anastomosis (handsewn, n = 20 (44%) vs stapled, n = 3 (14%), p = 0.013), nighttime seepage was similar in both groups. Pouch survival rates were comparable: 88% vs 92% (p > 0.05). LIMITATIONS: This study is limited by its low study power and limited follow-up time. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who had pelvic sepsis after their index IPAA required handsewn anastomosis at higher rates than other redo cases. Although handsewn anastomosis is a more complex procedure, it is associated with morbidity, functional outcomes, and quality-of-life scores similar to stapled anastomosis for redo IPAA.