Confection of an ileal reservoir anastomosed to anal canal is a seductive issue after total coloproctectomy. In this prospective study, early complications, mainly anastomotic fistulae, were effectively detected by routine enemas with water soluble media. These complications affected 14% of patients. Preliminary results of functional exploration of reservoirs by defecography showed that continence muscle barriers were apparently unaltered by the operation, that the content of reservoirs in J was satisfactory and that difficulties in exoneration frequently met with in reservoirs in S were due to architectural anomalies of these ileal pouches rather than a disturbance in pelvic muscles play. Radiologic analysis can establish perfection of surgical mounting and guide possible recovery operations.