The clinical course of 32 pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis--18, Crohn's disease--14) after colectomy and ileostomy was investigated. Specific indications for surgery were: ulcerative colitis (severe colitis--50%, chronic disease--50%); Crohn's disease (fistulae--28%, severe colitis--28%, chronic disease--21%, hemorrhage--14%, growth failure--7%). Proctectomy was performed at the time of colectomy in 72% of patients with ulcerative colitis and in 64% of those with Crohn's disease. Major post-operative complications (stomal dysfunction without documented recurrent disease, obstruction, abscess, bleeding) were observed in 60% of all patients regardless of diagnosis. Histologically documented recurrent disease developed in 42% of the patients with Crohn's disease (mean follow-up: 5 yr) despite removal of all affected bowel. Ileal disease at the time of surgery appeared to be a poor prognostic factor. Sexual activity was either improved or unchanged in sexually active patients. Impotence was not observed in any of the male patients. Despite complications and recurrent disease, the majority (75%) of patients viewed colectomy and ileostomy as improving the quality of their life.