Total colectomy with mucosal proctectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has proven to be a favorable option in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis coli. The main advantages of this procedure are that it obviates the need for a permanent stoma, it preserves anal continence, and it removes all disease-prone mucosa. As an alternative to this procedure, the authors have found success with the Swenson pull-through following proctocolectomy in children. This technique involves resection of the rectum at the dentate line, thus, eliminating the need for mucosal proctectomy. This may be particularly advantageous in patients with severely diseased rectal mucosa. Ileoanal anastomosis is performed after creation of an ileal J-pouch using the terminal ileum. The procedure has been used in two children with familial polyposis coli and in three with ulcerative colitis. Median follow-up after closure of the diverting ileostomy is 13 months (5-33 months). Continence has been preserved in all five patients. There have been no complications involving bladder or sexual dysfunction. This technique provides a reliable alternative for the definitive treatment of ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis coli.