[Final procedure after colectomy with special consideration of ileorectal anastomosis (author's transl)]

The indication for ileorectal anastomosis after colectomy is most likely given - with all reservations - in cases of ulcerative colitis and polyposis coli, not so often in Crohn's disease. Our own studies of dwarf pigs have shown that no qualitative changes take place in the histochemical characteristics either of ileum mucosa or in that of the rectum, following ileorectostomy. Late results of shelling out the rectal mucosa, and the tendencies towards constructing a reservoir of terminal ileum in the pelvis, remain to be seen. While keeping the risks at a justifiable level it should be our aim to enable our often still young patients to lead a normal life without social handicaps.