BCIR surgery (the Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir procedure) makes living with an ostomy pleasantly similar to life before needing the procedure. BCIR is a major improvement on procedures developed earlier because it does not involve an external pouch for waste collection and elimination.
The external pouch used after traditional ostomy surgeries is often identified as the most difficult aspect for patients to adjust to and use easily, as they return to normal life. The BCIR creates a completely internal reservoir for waste collection, which offers patients discretion, and much more control over bowel movements. This self-sealing pouch is made from the patient’s own, natural body tissue.
The collection reservoir is attached to the abdominal wall using a section of the intestine, which leads to a button-sized stoma (external opening). A self-closing valve is also created with intestinal tissue, which lessens the chance of slippage (which was an issue with more traditional surgical options). The small, discreet and natural stoma is placed low on the abdomen, covered by a tiny adhesive bandage. The internal pouch is drained conveniently via a catheter into a toilet just a few times daily.
Good patient candidates who stand to benefit from the BCIR procedure have:
The natural, internal and self-closing pouch offers a number of lifestyle-enhancing benefits for patients, including the ability to:
To learn more about your ileostomy options,, contact the foremost BCIR and Kock Pouch specialist at the Center for Ileostomy Surgery in Los Angeles, today.