The Mainz pouch II is a well tolerated form of continent urinary diversion in terms of morbidity, protection of the upper urinary tract and continence rate, even in patients aged > 65 years. Mainz pouch II was described by Fisch and Hohenfellner in 1991. They viewed the simplicity and reproducibility of the operation as one of its major advantages. A good continence rates between 93%-100% after this procedure has been shown in previous studies. The longer follow up will show whether these high rates of continence can be maintained with increasing age. The Mainz Pouch II serves as a satisfying continent urinary diversion for both sexes in selected patients in terms of quality of life. Evaluation of overall quality of life in patients with Mainz pouch II urinary derivation has given encouraging results. Compliance and cooperation of the patients, together with preoperative tests for anal competence, are mandatory to avoid complications. The Mainz group reported that the overall complication rate was low and comparable with other techniques of continent urinary diversion. During the past years modifications of the original technique have been described. These represent an increasing interest in the procedure. Today, the techniques of low-pressure and reservoirs have completely replaced classical ureterosigmoidostomy. In this review article the main focus is aimed at history, complications, continence and quality of life of patients with Mainz pouch II.