• Jun Araki, Yuji Nishizawa, Naoki Fujita, Tomoyuki Sato, Tomoya Lizuka, Masatoshi Komata, Naoyuki Hatayama, Tomiko Yakura, Shuichi Hirai, Kensuke Tashiro, Flavio H F Galvão, Tatsuo Nakamura, Masahiro Nakagawa, and Munekazu Naito.
• Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shizuoka Cancer Center Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan.
• Ann. Surg. 2022 Apr 1; 275 (4): e636e644e636-e644.

ObjectiveAnorectal transplantation is a challenging procedure but a promising option for patients with weakened or completely absent anorectal function.Summary Background DataWe constructed a canine model of anorectal transplantation, evaluated the long-term outcomes, and controlled rejection and infection in allotransplantation.MethodsIn the pudendal nerve function study, 6 dogs were randomly divided into 2 groups, transection and anastomosis, and were compared with a control using anorectal manometry, electromyography, and histological examination. In the anorectal transplantation model, 4 dogs were assigned to 4 groups: autotransplant, allotransplant with immunosuppression, allotransplant without immunosuppression, and normal control. Long-term function was evaluated by defecography, videography, and histological examination.ResultsIn the pudendal nerve function study, anorectal manometry indicated that the anastomosis group recovered partial function 6 months postoperatively. Microscopically, the pudendal nerve and the sphincter muscle regenerated in the anastomosis group. Anorectal transplantation was technically successful with a 3-stage operation: colostomy preparation, anorectal transplantation, and stoma closure. The dog who underwent allotransplantation and immunosuppression had 2 episodes of mild rejection, which were reversed with methylprednisolone and tacrolimus. The dog who underwent allotransplantation without immunosuppression had a severe acute rejection that resulted in graft necrosis. Successful dogs had full defecation control at the end of the study.ConclusionsWe describe the critical role of the pudendal nerve in anorectal function and the first long-term success with anorectal transplantation in a canine model. This report is a proof-of-concept study for anorectal transplantation as a treatment for patients with an ostomy because of anorectal dysfunction.Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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