[Continent proctocolectomy--difficulties caused by previous operation].

Since 1981 23 Patients (19 with adenomatosis coli, 4 with colitis ulcerosa) underwent proctocolectomy with preservation of continence: total colectomy, proctomucosectomy, ileo-anal anastomosis with formation of an ileal S-pouch, and protective loop ileostomy. In 3 patients previous operations caused difficulties in performing the procedure. Critical points of the operative technique are explained, with special regard to the possibility of previous surgery. Postoperative complications and functional results are presented.