Author(s)

Sally Bath, Christian P. Selinger, Rupert W.L. Leong

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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.

Pouchitis; Ileo-pouch Anal Anastomosis; Pathogenesis

Bath, S. , Selinger, C. and Leong, R. (2011) The pathogenesis of primary pouchitis following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: a review of current hypotheses. Open Journal of Gastroenterology, 1, 7-12. doi: 10.4236/ojgas.2011.12002.