Topography of the reconstructed pelvic peritoneum after proctocolectomy

In 14 patients undergoing proctocolectomy with reconstruction of the pelvic peritoneum, the suture line in the peritoneum was indicated by attaching eight tantalum clips to the edges of the peritoneal flaps. The positions of the clips were determined by roentgenograms 1, 2, 3, 12, and 24 weeks after the operation. In one patient, who postoperatively developed an intraperitoneal pelvic abscess, a slight separation of two clips was noted, indicating partial rupture of the suture line, but in the other patients no separation was observed. The peritoneal suture line descends caudally and dorsally, the peritoneal flaps thus covering the pelvic surfaces, and this process is, in general, complete within three months.