Comparison of Functional Outcomes Between Transanal and Laparoscopic vs Open Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis

Summary

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) and inflammatory bowel unclassified (IBDu) are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) involving the colon and rectum. It is a chronic disease occurring in young people with a high burden on social and professional life. Although treated medically by immunomodulatory drugs, about 15 - 20% of UC patients will need an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). In primary cases, this procedure is usually performed laparoscopically (further called transabdominal IPAA or tabd-IPAA). More recently even less invasive surgical techniques have emerged, using a trans-anal access, facilitating dissection of the distal rectum. Although transanal access is associated with a good postoperative outcome profile, there is very limited data on functional outcome in patients with a trans-anal ileal pouch-anal anastomosis surgery (ta-IPAA).

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine if functional outcome following ta-IPAA is the same as or better than postoperative function after tabd-IPAA with UC and IBDu.

Study design: The FUNCTIon trial is a non-inferiority randomized, controlled trial that will involve 3 hospitals across North-America and Europe.

Patient population: All patients with UC and IBDu eligible for pelvic pouch procedure will be randomized to either ta-IPAA or tabd-IPAA. Prior to the start of the study REB will be obtained at all centres and informed consent will be obtained from all patients. The inclusion criteria for the study are: patients between 18 and 60 years old with UC or IBD unclassified (IBDu) eligible for surgery. They will need to speak either English or the primary language of the center they are treated at. The exclusion criteria for the study are: contraindication for laparoscopy, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), colorectal cancer, presence of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a hand-sewn ileo-anal anastomosis, immunomodulating therapy including steroids, pregnancy and lactating, urgent indication.

Intervention: ta-IPAA or tabd-IPAA. Outcomes: Primary outcome is the functional outcome at one year after pelvic pouch surgery. This will be measured using the validated Colorectal Functional Outcome (COREFO) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes are functional outcome at 3 and 6 months, male and female sexual function, perioperative measures and clinical measures.

Sample Size: A sample of 48 (24 per group) is required to detect a between-group non-inferiority margin of 7.05 in COREFO score with a 1-sided α of 0.05 and a power of 80%, allowing for 20% attrition. A participation rate of 50% is anticipated.

Analysis: All continuous variable outcomes will be compared using analysis of covariance. Categorical variable outcomes will be analyzed using repeated measures logistic regression. Proportional outcomes will be analyzed with the chi-square or Fisher's exact test and continuous variables will be analyzed with student's t-test.

Follow-up: Each participant will be followed up at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after the intervention to assess functional scores and clinical events. Perioperative events (including postoperative complications) will be assessed during the intervention hospitalization period.

Conditions

• Ulcerative Colitis
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
• Ileal Pouch

Interventions

PROCEDURE

ta-IPAA

A trans-anal port (gelpoint path, Applied Medical®) will be used for transanal acces and pneumopelvis will be created. The initial purse string is to be placed approximately 3cm above the dentate line, followed by a rectotomy. The perirectal dissection is then continued and should be pursued for at least 5cm. More proximal dissection can be done by transabdominal access. After completion of the proctectomy, a double purse string anastomosis is performed after creation of the J-pouch. A defunctioning loop ileostomy can be placed according to surgeon's preference.

PROCEDURE

tabd-IPAA

Patients in the control group will undergo a rectal dissection by laparotomy, Pfannenstiel incision, (hand-assisted) laparoscopy, single port laparoscopy or robotic surgery, but performed from the abdominal side (tabd-IPAA). Dissection will be performed down to the pelvic floor and include the distal rectum. It is anticipated that most dissection will occur using the TME plane, however, close rectal dissection is also acceptable. Transection of the distal rectum approximately 2 cm above the dentate line will be performed using a linear stapler of the surgeon's choice. After placing the anvil in the J-pouch, a circular stapler will be introduced through the sphincter and a circular anastomosis will be performed. A defunctioning loop ileostomy can be placed according at the surgeon's discretion.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

  collaborator OTHER

• St Mary's Hospital, London

  collaborator OTHER

• Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven

  collaborator OTHER

• Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

60 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2021-01-01

Primary Completion

2023-12-31

Completion

2025-06-30

Countries

• Canada

Study Locations