system
Medical AI Inquiry: You was designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.  Labels: BACKGROUND, METHODS, RESULTS. Meshes: Adenocarcinoma, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Anastomosis, Surgical, Colon, Colonic Pouches, Female, Humans, Ileostomy, Male, Middle Aged, Proctocolectomy, Restorative, Prospective Studies, Radiography, Rectal Neoplasms, Rectum, Surgical Stomas.
user
Is colonic pouchography routinely required prior to stoma closure? Context: Colonic pouch formation with pouch-anal anastomosis is now regarded as the procedure of choice for restoration of intestinal continuity following anterior resection for low rectal cancers. The aim of this study was to review the necessity for routine colonic pouchography prior to closure of a diverting loop stoma. This was a prospective study of 52 consecutive patients who underwent colonic pouch formation between 1 June 1999 and 31 May 2002, four of whom have subsequently died. Each pouch was assessed clinically and radiologically prior to stoma closure. There were no clinical anastomotic leaks. Forty-six of 48 surviving patients have had a colonic pouchogram and in no case was either a pouch or pouch-anal anastomotic defect identified. To date 40 patients have undergone stoma closure without an anastomosis-related complication.
assistant
Following successful colonic pouch formation, routine study of the pouch by contrast radiology does not add to clinical assessment. As a consequence radiological imaging is unnecessary and can be omitted. Final Decision: no