Current status of ileoanal reservoirs: 1992

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileoanal reservoir has been a significant development in the surgical treatment of mucosal ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. It enables excision of the diseased colorectal mucosa with preservation of continence and avoidance of a permanent stoma. The surgical techniques, criteria for patient selection, and understanding of the physiology and outcome of the procedure, however, continue to evolve.