A new technique and catheter design for assessing capacity and compliance characteristics of ileal reservoirs.

Ileal pouch reconstruction has become a preferred treatment for ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis in selected patients. Various pouch designs have been advocated with good functional results dependent upon preservation of excellent continence and a reasonable stool frequency pattern. Objective data are needed to recognize pouch designs that offer the best functional results. It is important to have a method of accurately measuring pouch volume and compliance characteristics of the pouch. We have described the construction and use of an inexpensive and easily assembled condom tipped catheter, which is useful for early and long term follow-up study of ileal pouch reconstructions.