Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the operation of choice for most patients with ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. Sometimes IPAA procedures have to be abandoned due technical or disease factors at the time of pouch construction. We highlight principles of IPAA creation and retreat, and illustrate them with videos of 2 pouch salvages which were successful due to mature retreats at outside hospitals. When retreating during IPAA, the pouch shouldn't be excised, rather is should be left in the pelvis. For male patients, leave the pouch behind the bladder and prostate so that prostate and bladder don't completely obstruct the pelvic inlet. Similarly, for female patients, leave the pouch below the uterus and ovaries, so they do not get adhered to the deep pelvis. Divert the patient with loop ileostomy 20 cm proximal to pouch, so it may be used as future J pouch apex. Leave the pouch mesentery posterior and the serosa anterior. If it is certain that reach will be an issue, use staple, don't try handsewn. Avoid damage of marginal artery while taking the ileostomy down at the time of connecting IPAA. Reoperate in fresh planes. Use a deep pelvic retractor for visualization and bimanual exam to identify the anus. Repeatedly confirm the mesentery isn't twisted. Retreat is a sign of maturity.