The purpose of an ileostomy is not just to save the life but also to help an individual to be healthier than before surgery. Some people, however, find it cumbersome to have to carry and manage an ileostomy the entire time. Although most of the patients adapt to life with an ileostomy, many consider it a cause of disability of sorts. Fortunately, options like Kock pouch are here to help those patients to live without a constant concern that accompanies an ileostomy care regimen involving the use of an ostomy bag. Here, you may wonder if you are a candidate for a Kock Pouch.

What is a Kock Pouch?

The Kock pouch is a type of continent ileostomy, which involves an internal reservoir collecting bodily wastes. This internal reservoir eliminates the need for wearing an external ostomy pouch. This pouch connects with an opening in the abdomen through a valve, which consists of living tissues from the ileum. Generally, you will need to empty your Kock pouch three times a day by using a catheter, which is a flexible plastic tube that you are going to have to insert into the reservoir through the stoma. It will draw the waste contents out of the pouch.

The benefits of a Kock Pouch

There are numerous personal and medical benefits of having a Kock pouch instead of having to wear an external plastic pouch. An ostomy bag generally makes it a challenge for the patient to prevent the leakage of gas and smell. It can get messy when you empty or change that pouch. A Kock pouch internalizes the reservoir, which reduces the chances of leakage and other resultant complications.

An ostomy bag necessitates a patient to take care of the seal between the skin barrier and the peristomal skin to prevent skin complications. With a Kock pouch, you only need a catheter to draw the stool out of the internal reservoir.

Risks associated with conventional ileostomies include peristomal hernia, fistulas, sinking or prolapsing of the stoma, and peristomal skin infections. Each of these complications can affect the quality of life pretty badly.

The difference between a Kock pouch and BCIR

The BCIR, or Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir, is an advanced form of the Kock Pouch. A BCIR comes with a modification in the pouch’s design by using a single suture line. This internal reservoir improves the manageability of the waste removal process even further.

Who is the candidate for a Kock pouch?

Your surgeon will decide whether or not you can get a Kock pouch. The most significant prerequisite of the Kock pouch or BCIR is a sufficient length of the small bowel. If you have had trouble managing your ileostomy bag, or you want to live without having to manage an external bag mounted on your belly, you are the candidate for a Kock pouch. The most significant benefit of having a Kock pouch is that it puts you back in control of your bowel movements, meaning that you can live a life of your choice.

Be sure to discuss these options with your doctor or surgeon if you want to have a content ileostomy.