PURPOSE:This study was designed to compare function of patients who had undergone reconstruction following proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis using the J or W configuration ileoanal pouch.METHODS:Of 126 patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy between January 1981 and March 1993, 101 had surgery for ulcerative colitis. Eighty‐seven of these patients were available for review by personal or postal interview. All operative procedures were performed by one surgeon. The group comprised 35 W‐pouches and 52 J‐pouches.RESULTS:More patients with a J‐pouch had a stool frequency of greater than 8 per 24 hours(P=0.044), and they were also more likely to use a perineal pad(P=0.019). No difference in the rates of nocturnal stool frequency, fecal incontinence, or use of constipating agents between the two pouch designs was found. Significantly more patients with a J‐pouch have had episodes of pouchitis(P=0.001). Of the total patient group 91.9 percent felt that restorative proctocolectomy had improved their quality of life.CONCLUSION:Minor differences in the function of the W configuration ileoanal pouch and the J configuration ileoanal pouch are demonstrated in this study.