Comparison of Transit Times in the J-Shaped and the Isoperistaltic Lateral Ileal Reservoir—Using Isotope Technique in Rabbits

• An ileal reservoir appears to reduce stool frequency and urgency in conjunction with endorectal ileal pull-through operations. The optimal type of reservoir construction has not been determined. In a rabbit model, the isotope transit time, measured as a percentage of isotope remaining in a segment of intestine one hour after injection, was 79% for the J-shaped reservoir (JR) and 57% for the lateral isoperistaltic reservoir (LR). Transit times in ileal segments longitudinally incised and closed and control segments were 49% and 63%, respectively. The mean reservoir volume three months after operation was 53 mL for LR, 101 mL for JR, 20 mL for longitudinally incised and closed ileal segments, and 25 mL for control segments. Although reservoir function between the LR and JR may be similar at six to nine months postoperatively, it appears that the JR empties more slowly and becomes more distended during the first three months after construction in the rabbit model studied.

(Arch Surg 1987;122:1124-1127)