Patients may need an ostomy for several different reasons, such as colon cancer, familial adenomatous polyposis or severe ulcerative colitis. Regardless of the reason for your ostomy, you will have several different options to choose from. Two of the most popular options available are the J-pouch and the Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir, or BCIR.
A surgeon creates the J-pouch by using a small portion of the small intestine to construct a reservoir. This reservoir connects the remaining part of the small intestine to the anal canal. This option allows you to control the elimination of waste to some extent.
The BCIR is an option that involves the creation of an internal reservoir and a nipple valve. To create these structures, the surgeon uses part of your small intestine. With this ostomy option, you will be able to control the elimination of waste. To eliminate waste, you must simply insert a thin catheter into the nipple valve.
The BCIR and the J-pouch differ primarily in the way they are emptied. While the J-pouch allows you to empty waste through your anal canal, the BCIR is emptied with a catheter.
The J-pouch must be emptied many times each day, and you won’t be able to put off emptying the reservoir for long once you have had the urge. Otherwise, you may experience leakage. The BCIR, on the other hand, only needs to be emptied three to five times each day. In addition, if you have the BCIR, you won’t need to worry about your reservoir leaking if decide not to empty it immediately.
Furthermore, because the BCIR is made from your own tissue, you won’t have to worry about it irritating your skin.
When comparing the J-pouch and the BCIR, many patients come to the decision that the BCIR is superior. The BCIR gives you more freedom with fewer complications. To learn more about this ostomy option, please contact Dr. Don Schiller today.