Parking the pouch: pouch salvage after anastomotic leak following restorative proctocolectomy. Report of a case.

Anastomotic leak is a feared complication after restorative proctocolectomy with formation of an ileal pouch. We describe the use of a technique that is appropriate for profound anastomotic failure in the immediate postoperative period, which will aid in controlling sepsis and may allow salvage of the pouch. A 59-year-old man who failed medical treatment underwent restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis as a single-stage procedure. The patient developed an anastomotic leak that was not controlled by defunctioning stoma formation. Further surgery was undertaken and the pouch was exteriorized as a mucous fistula. A redo pouch-anal anastomosis was performed 12 months after the original procedure. The patient has good functional outcome with complete continence. Anastomotic leak after restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis often can be managed by conservative or local procedures. Laparotomy may be required rarely, but this subgroup is associated with pouch failure in up to half of the patients. Awareness that the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis can be taken down and the pouch temporarily parked in the abdominal cavity may persuade surgeons to retain a pouch with the knowledge that the acute pelvic sepsis after an anastomotic leak can be safely treated.