The Kock Pouch is one of the options available to people who need to have the colon removed because of ulcerative colitis or another chronic conditions affecting the large intestine. Below is some basic information about this option to help you understand how it works.
History of the Kock Pouch
The Kock Pouch was developed in 1969. It was the first continent ileostomy. This means that, instead of relying on an external collection bag, patients with a Kock Pouch were able to retain waste in an internal reservoir until they were ready to go to the bathroom.
How a Kock Pouch it Works
A surgeon creates the Kock Pouch using a portion of the patient’s own intestines. After the colon has been removed, this new reservoir is connected to an opening in the skin known as a “stoma.” No external collection bag is required. Instead, patients empty the reservoir by inserting a catheter into the stoma three to four times each day. Patients cover this opening while it isn’t in use in order to absorb mucus. Because no collection bag is required, the stoma is placed directly above the patient’s pubic area.
Potential Problems
Although the Kock Pouch works well for many patients, some patients will experience problems. Potential issues include:
- Gas or waste leaking through the stoma.
- Trouble inserting catheters.
- Fistula.
- Abscess.
Ileostomy Alternatives
Patients with a failed Kock Pouch must explore alternatives, such as the conventional ileostomy or the Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir. With a conventional ileostomy, the internal reservoir is removed and waste flows into an external collection bag. The BCIR revision, on the other hand, allows patients to keep their internal reservoir while still eliminating the problems associated with the Kock Pouch.
Contact Dr. Don Schiller
Dr. Don Schiller specializes in the Kock Pouch and BCIR. If you have a failed Kock Pouch or you would like to learn more about the BCIR procedure, please contact Dr. Don Schiller today.
