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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2004; 17(1): 29-34
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-823068
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Ulcerative Colitis: The Fate of the Retained Rectum

Adam Juviler1 , Neil Hyman1
  • 1Department of Surgery, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
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Publication Date:
13 April 2004 (online)

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Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has clearly diminished the role of colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) in the management of patients with ulcerative colitis. Nonetheless, IRA probably still has an appropriate place in highly selected patients, and many others maintain an “out of circuit” rectal remnant after subtotal colectomy. Although symptomatic proctitis is the most common reason for completion proctectomy, these patients are also at a significant risk to develop rectal cancer. Routine surveillance appears to be warranted.

KEYWORDS

Ulcerative colitis - proctitis - ileorectal anastomosis

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Neil HymanM.D. 

Fletcher 301, MCHV Campus, Department of Surgery, University of Vermont, College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05401

Email: Neil.Hyman@vtmednet.org