METHODS OF FOLLOW-UP EXAMINATIONS OF ILEO ANAL AND COLOANAL POUCHES

For the assessment of ileoanal and coloanal pouches different diagnost ic tests should be applied. Apart from case history and rectal digital examination the most important methods comprise a radiologic evaluati on of the pouch and its afferent loop as well as anorectal manometry f or the assessment of pouch motility and sphincter function. Increasing ly transanal endosonography is being used for the precise examination of size, volume, and shape of ileoanal and coloanal pouches. The affer ent loop is also easily accessible to endosonography, e.g. for evaluat ion of bowel wall morphology and function. Furthermore, in cases of co loanal pouches following an oncologic lower anterior resection, endoso nography is used in follow-up examinations for the detection of local tumor recurrence.