Dr. Don Schiller - The Ileostomy Specialist
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Dr. Don Schiller has retired from his practice
involving BCIR and Kock Pouch surgery.

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How to Properly Care For and Drain a Kock Pouch

May 18, 2016  ·  By: Dr. Don Schiller

A Kock Pouch is a viable option for those who must have their colons removed due to inflammatory bowel diseases, trauma or cancer. But how does the device actually work? And how hard is it to empty? Here’s a look at the mechanics of the Kock Pouch.

How the Kock Pouch Works

A Kock Pouch is created using your own intestines. After your colon is removed, a reservoir made from small intestine tissue. The reservoir is connected to your small intestine on one end and a stoma, or opening in the skin, on the other. The stoma is usually placed just above the pubic area. Waste accumulates in the reservoir which you empty several times per day.

There is no external bag with this ileostomy option. You insert a thin catheter into the stoma and empty the reservoir into a toilet. The process isn’t difficult, but it may take you several weeks to become comfortable emptying the pouch.

How often should I empty the pouch?

How often you should empty the reservoir depends on your unique body and diet, but there are some general guidelines. Immediately following surgery, you will have an indwelling catheter that provides constant drainage. The indwelling catheter will be left in place for about a month while the pouch “matures.” After your surgeon removes the catheter, you will drain the pouch several times each day. As time goes by, you can empty the pouch less often.

Guidelines for draining the pouch

After the indwelling catheter is removed, you’ll need to start emptying the pouch several times per day as instructed by your surgeon. In the weeks after the indwelling catheter is removed, you’ll need to:

  • Empty the pouch every two hours during the day while you are awake.
  • Empty just before going to bed and right when you wake.
  • Refrain from eating or drinking within two hours of bedtime.
  • You’ll probably need to use a catheter to provide constant drainage overnight. You could also set an alarm so you wake to empty the pouch. .

As time goes on, you’ll be able to go longer between pouch empties. You may be able to stop the constant drainage overnight at some point. Within three months of surgery, you should be able to empty the pouch between four and six times per day. If you feel bloated or distended, you’ll need to empty you pouch. You should also empty the pouch prior to physical activity.

More tips for success

When inserting the catheter into the pouch, remember the following:

  • Try to relax your abdominal muscles.
  • Bend your knees as your muscles relax.
  • Only use water-soluble lubricants. Never use products that include petroleum jelly like Vaseline.
  • If you have difficulty inserting the catheter, change positions, relax and try again.

Retirement Announcement

Dr. Don Schiller has retired from his practice involving BCIR and Kock Pouch surgery. To find a surgeon who can help you, go to www.qla-ostomy.org and click on the tab Medical Info and you will see a Directory of all the surgeons in the country who perform Continent Ileostomy surgery.

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