Incidence and Management of Rectal Cuff and Anal Transitional Zone Neoplasia in Patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

BACKGROUND: Rectal cuff and anal transitional zone neoplasia is an increasing challenge in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis who have undergone restorative proctocolectomy. Its real incidence, range of severity, and treatment efficacy are poorly documented. OBJECTIVE: We sought to document the evolution of rectal cuff and anal transitional zone neoplasia and describe its management. DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study collecting prospectively recorded data. SETTINGS: This study involved a hereditary colorectal cancer group in a large academic medical center. PATIENTS: All patients undergoing primary restorative proctocolectomy at this institution were included INTERVENTIONS: Surveillance pouchoscopy and treatment of rectal cuff/anal transitional zone neoplasia were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were the presence and the severity of rectal cuff/anal transitional zone neoplasia. Excision by cautery, snare, mucosectomy, or redo pouch was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 165 patients were included: 52% were male (86/165) with a median age at restorative proctocolectomy of 31.0 years (SD 12.8). In 117 of 165, the proctocolectomy was their first operation and, in 48 of 165, it followed a colectomy. Of the patients, 83% (137/165) had stapled anastomosis; 17% had mucosectomy with handsewn anastomosis; and 14% (23/165) were treated with sulindac at some point during their surveillance. Median follow-up was 10.1 years (interquartile range, 4.5-17.2) and the median number of pouchoscopies per patient was 4 (interquartile range, 2-8). Seventy-eight of 165 (47.3%) developed rectal cuff/anal transitional zone adenomas, more in the stapled group (52.3%; 72/137) than in the handsewn group (21.4%; 6/28; p < 0.005). Median time to adenoma was 4.5 years (interquartile range, 2.4-8.9). Three patients developed cancer under surveillance, and, in 3 other patients, cancers developed when screenings lapsed. Five patients developed symptomatic anal stenosis secondary to repeated surgeries (median, 9 procedures; range, 2-10). LIMITATIONS: There was no quality-of-life measurement in patients who developed rectal cuff/anal transitional zone neoplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal cuff/anal transitional zone adenomas are more common than previously reported. Mild polyposis can be controlled endoscopically, but repeated procedures in a higher stage are associated with risk of anal stenosis. Compliance with surveillance is essential to avoid cancer. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B594.