Total abdominal colectomy and endorectal ileal pull-through have been widely used in children as a definitive continence-preserving procedure for ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial polyposis (FP). Controversy exists in regards to the results achieved with the various techniques utilized to accomplish this procedure, including straight ileal pull-through, pull-through with balloon dilatation of the lower ileal segment, and the construction of a variety of ileal reservoirs: S-shaped, J-shaped, or lateral. We have utilized the two-stage lateral reservoir approach advocated by Fonkalsrud et al, on a total of 12 patients, aged 1 to 17 years, including ten patients with UC and two with FP. Twelve patients have undergone stage 1 and seven of these stage 2. Numerous complications of stage 1 occurred early in the series, including breakdown of the ileoanal anastomosis, 3 patients; cuff abscess, 2 patients; postoperative intestinal obstruction, 2 patients; and intraabdominal abscess, 1 patient. All have fully recovered. The last six stage 1 procedures have been without complications. Five of the seven stage 2 patients are now well, continent, and having four to six controlled bowel movements a day 1 to 2 years postoperatively. Two patients are using small amounts of Immodium and Metamucil. One patient has developed marked dilatation of the pouch at 8 months postoperatively with episodic "pouchitis" requiring operative revision and diversion. One stage 2 patient suffered numerous complications including spontaneous perforation of the reservoir 2 months postoperatively, eventually leading to re-creation of a permanent ileostomy and removal of the pouch. Five patients await further treatment. The lateral reservoir technique is capable of producing a satisfied and continent patient; however, the potential technical problems and early complications are significant. The occurrence of delayed "pouchitis" is worrisome. Although the initial results with the lateral reservoir technique appear encouraging, further longterm evaluation is necessary.