Ileorectal Anastomosis

Ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) or ileorectostomy refers to the connection of terminal ileum to rectum following extirpation of the colon by total abdominal colectomy. This procedure is of great historical interest having been initially championed by Stanley Aylett from the UK, and used for over 50 years, as an alternative to proctocolectomy and permanent ileostomy for patients with ulcerative colitis.