Objective：To evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of subtotal proctocolectomy for familial adenomatous polyposis （FAP）. Methods： Twenty-one FAP patients who had undergone subtotal proctocolectomy during 1985-2000 in our department were followed up colonoscopically to observe whether there was any recurrence of polyps in postoperatively residual colon or/and rectum. Results： Adenomatous recurrence with variant degrees was detected in the residual colon or/and rectum in all 21 patients, the recurrence rate being 100%. Polypous growth was denser in the residual rectum than in the proximal residual colon. The adenomatous polyp in one patient cancerized 4 years after the initial operation. The cumulative occurrence of colorectal cancer was 4.8 %. Conclusion： Subtotal proctocolectomy is a simple procedure for FAP with fewer complications, but there is a risk of polyps cancerization in the residual colon or/and rectum.