TITLE:
The pathogenesis of primary pouchitis following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: a review of current hypotheses
AUTHORS:
Sally Bath, Christian P. Selinger, Rupert W.L. Leong
KEYWORDS:
Pouchitis; Ileo-pouch Anal Anastomosis; Pathogenesis
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Gastroenterology,
Vol.1 No.2,
November
17,
2011
ABSTRACT: Primary pouchitis is a common complication of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis following proctocolectomy in patients treated for ulcerative colitis (UC), but is un-usual for those treated for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). While a number of theories as to the pathogenesis of this inflammatory condition have been proposed, no single one has been wholly satis-factory. Much research has been devoted to investi-gating a link between the pathogenic factors involved in UC, but not FAP, and those underlying pouchitis. The contribution of sulfate-producing bacteria has also been explored. The role of other intraluminal factors, such as short chain fatty acids and unconju-gated bile salts, has also been investigated. A unifying theory of a multi-step process might explain the pathogenesis of pouchitis, but further research is re-quired to proof causation. It is likely that pouchitis develops as a result of a combination of genetic, im-munological, microbial and metabolic factors. Future insight into the causes of pouchitis may eventually allow for the development of more effective treat-ments.