INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic dissection in the pelvis is still a challenge. A transanal approach to rectal dissection allows better visualization during the dissection of the rectum and the creation of an anastomosis. Although initially used for patients with rectal cancer, the transanal approach may also have benefits in the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of this study was to describe our initial experience with transanal completion proctectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for UC.

METHODS: This study included all consecutive patients who underwent transanal completion proctectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for UC between September 2017 and February 2018.

RESULTS: Eleven patients were included in the study; they had a median age of 30 years (range, 13-51 years). The median operative time was 285 min (range, 190-375 min). There were no intraoperative complications or conversions to open surgery. Postoperative complications occurred in only one patient (anastomotic leak), and the median length of hospital stay was 7 days (range, 5-37 days).

CONCLUSION: Our initial experience with transanal completion proctectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis shows promising results, demonstrating the feasibility of the transanal approach in patients with UC.