Laparoscopic ileopexy for afferent loop syndrome after restorative proctocolectomy—a retrospective case series

To study the effect of laparoscopic ileopexy in patients with afferent-loop syndrome (ALS) after restorative proctocolectomy (RP).

Ileopexy has been the treatment of choice in patients with ALS for the last 5 years at our department. All patients who had undergone ileopexy for ALS between January 2019 and August 2023 were identified. Data were extracted from the medical records. All patients were contacted and asked standardized questions regarding symptoms of ALS. A symptom score was calculated and compared before surgery and at the last follow-up.

Ten patients, who had undergone ileopexy for ALS, were identified. Eight of these (80%) had been admitted with small bowel obstruction due to ALS. The remaining 2 patients had other symptoms indicative of ALS. In all patients, ileopexy was immediately effective in reducing symptoms. Symptoms recurred after 16.5 weeks (2–80) in 8 patients. Repeat laparoscopy showed that the ileopexy had slipped in 6 of these. Six had a new ileopexy with mesh. Later, one of these developed recurrent symptoms and had a new mesh ileopexy performed. No mesh complications were seen. Symptom score was reduced from 6.5 (1–9) to 2 (0–7) (p = 0.02) at the last follow-up.

In this study, ileopexy is effective in reducing symptoms of ALS after RP. In a high proportion of patients, it is necessary to use mesh to ensure long-term fixation of the ileum.