A modified total colonic exclusion for elderly patients with severe slow transit constipation

The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of total colonic exclusion with antiperistaltic ileorectal anastomosis (TCE-AIA) for elderly patients with slow transit constipation (STC).

Elderly patients (defined as age >65) who underwent TCE-AIA for severe idiopathic STC between 2009 and 2012 at our institution were identified. Postoperative outcomes and routine follow-up were assessed using the Wexner constipation score (WCS), gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) and four-point postoperative satisfaction scales.

A total of 13 elderly patients were met the inclusion criteria. Five patients (38.5 %) were male, and eight patients (61.5 %) were female. The mean age of this population was 74 years (range 63–82 years). The mean operative time was 55 min (range 28–32), and blood loss was minimal. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.7 days (range 5–12 days). The mean time until the first postoperative bowel movement was 4 days (range 2–8 days). There was no procedure-related mortality and no major in-hospital complications. The median duration of follow-up was 12.4 months (range 6–29 months). None of the 13 patients had fecal incontinence or recurrence of constipation at the follow-up end point. However, eight patients underwent colonoscopy during follow-up, and four patients presented with diversion colitis. The patients’ preoperative WCS was 22.8 ± 3.3, and it had significantly improved to 5.4 ± 2.1 on 6 months after operation (p < 0.05). The preoperative GIQLI of 93.6 ± 20.5 had significantly increased to 120.8 ± 13.0 on 6 months after surgery (p < 0.05). Patient satisfaction at 6 months was very high in 11 patients and high in two patients.

TCE-AIA is a relatively simple procedure. It might be an effective surgical intervention for the selected elderly patients with STC.