Advantages of the Kock Pouch

If you need to have an ostomy due to a disease, such as colon cancer, you have a few options. The kock pouch is one of three main types of ostomy procedures. This procedure is done when the colon needs to be removed, but the patient wants the pouch inside their body.

Traditional ostomy procedures use an external bag that needs to be emptied, but with the kock pouch, also referred to as K-pouch, the bag is under and flush with the skin. The Kock pouch is convenient, as emptying only requires a small tube. Draining also only needs to be done about 3-5 times a day, which is less than some other ostomy options.

Advantages of the Kock Pouch

When you choose the Kock pouch as your ostomy method, you have many great benefits. The advantages range from high self-confidence to being more comfortable with less mess. Here are the advantages of the kock pouch:

• There is no external bag. One of the biggest benefits to the kock pouch is that it is inside the body, therefore there is not an external bag. Emptying is closer to traditional emptying of the intestine’s contents, and you can wear whatever you want. Many people believe their self-image improves because of the freedom being bagless offers.

• There aren’t leaking problems. Some of the other ostomy options, especially those with an external bag, can leak. There are no outside appliances or adhesives to deal with when you choose the kock pouch.

• Emptying is easy. Since there is not a full pouch on the outside, emptying is very easy. You simply point the small tube into the toilet in order to empty the K-pouch. It is quick and straightforward.

• It is flush with the skin. The K-pouch is located just underneath the skin and hidden using a skin-colored patch. Nobody will be able to see it as it is flush with the skin. You can wear whatever you want and not have a concern about it being obvious.

• Freedom to work, travel, exercise. With the K-pouch, you can continue participating in the activities you enjoy. Upon first hearing that you needed an ostomy, you might have been concerned that you would no longer feel confident going on weekend hikes or traveling all over the world. However, the kock pouch makes you feel more confident in doing all of this and more.

While the kock pouch is not the only option for an ostomy, it can provide many great benefits. The Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir (BCIR) that Dr. Schiller performs is an updated version of the Kock Pouch. The BCIR provides all the benefits listed above in addition to improvements on the valve, pouch positioning, and helps prevent fistula (abnormal healing). To learn more about ileostomy options, please contact Dr. Schiller’s office today.