Why is BCIR called the Freedom Option for Ileostomy Patients?

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.

BCIR Basics

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.  

What Makes a Good Candidate for BCIR?

Good patient candidates who stand to benefit from the BCIR procedure have:

• A history of maintaining stable body weight
• Normal weight, non-obese
• Good overall health and nutrition, non-anemic
• Stable, well-controlled chronic conditions, like HBP or diabetes, if applicable
• Complete and normally functioning small intestine
• Minimum of 6 months after previous standard ileostomy surgery 

Freedom Advantages of BCIR

The natural, internal and self-closing pouch offers a number of lifestyle-enhancing benefits for patients, including the ability to:

• Freely enjoy physical activity and improve conditioning – Strenuous activity is only limited by the patient’s overall conditioning. BCIR patients can swim, lift weights, run, play golf, etc.  
• Go to the bathroom when it’s convenient — That out-of-control feeling can be a thing of the past.
• Feel more comfortable — With no external pouch, there is less possibility of skin irritation due to leakage.
• Enjoy food — Patients can eat what they like, within reason, with minimal adjustments like chewing carefully.
• Travel freely – Logistical difficulties can make travel planning difficult for those with an external pouch.
• Choose from a wider range of careers — Without a conventional ileostomy appliance, movement, travel and other job duties become easier.
• Wear preferred clothing styles –- Since the BCIR stoma is made from natural tissue and located lower, it’s not visible to the public and doesn’t need to be hidden. The stoma can typically be covered by a swimsuit or shorts.
• Socialize freely – Patients with external ostomies often describe being limited socially due to logistics (the need to manage the external pouch). Becoming isolated can bring on depression.
• Gain self-confidence – Traditional ileostomy left many patients preoccupied, distracted or anxious about odors, hiding the pouch with certain clothing and careful movements, etc.
• Engage in intimacy – Some patients have reported avoiding intimate relationships after standard ostomy surgery.
• And more.

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.