Effects of sodium valproate on various intestinal motor functions after ileal J pouch-anal anastomosis.

Abstract

We investigate the effects of sodium valproate, a gamma-aminobutyric acid transaminase inhibitor, on the clinico-physiologic state after ileoanal anastomosis. Twelve patients (five with ulcerative colitis and seven with familial adenomatous polyposis coli) were studied in a placebo-controlled trial. Placebo had no effect, but valproate increased the resting anal pressure by 22.4% and the maximum tolerable pouch volume by 20.7%. It also prolonged pouch emptying by 47.3%, with an associated improvement in stool frequency and incontinence. These results suggested that valproate improved both reservoir continence and sphincter continence. Only minimal side effects were noted, so the administration of sodium valproate appears to be a safe and useful adjunct for patients with ileoanal anastomosis in the early postoperative period.