Continent Ileostomy - Mayo Clinic

A continent ileostomy, or Kock pouch, procedure may be an option if you:

Are not a candidate for the ileal j-pouch, have fecal incontinence, or have severe inflammation of the j-pouch (pouchitis),
Have a permanent ileostomy but suffer from skin irritation due to adhesive material, or have body image concerns.

Our specialized surgeons and multidisciplinary team are dedicated to improving your quality of life, providing expert care and compassion at every step of your journey.

A continent ileostomy empowers you to maintain continence without relying on external bags or any portion of the bowel protruding above the skin. With a continent ileostomy, a reservoir and valve are created from your small bowel inside your abdomen, connected to a small opening on your skin. This allows you to stay continent without using external bags or having bowel protrude above the skin. Success rates are almost comparable to an ileal j-pouch, in a comfortable and discreet solution. Many people who have a continent ileostomy say it gave them their life back.

Candidates for this procedure include those age 16 or older, with a BMI under 30, who require colon and rectum removal due to:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and indeterminate patients who are candidates for j-pouch.
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a genetic cause of polyps in the colon and rectum

You may also be a candidate if you:

Don’t want an ileal j-pouch due to concerns about potential complications
Have severe pouchitis not responding to treatment
Require pouch excision for any reason and do not have Crohn’s disease

At Mayo Clinic, you’ll have an expert team focused on continent ileotomy (K pouch, Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir) as part of a multidisciplinary team specially trained in the continent ileostomy procedures as well as postoperative care. Alongside your surgeons, a dedicated stoma nurse will guide you through the process of intubating and emptying the pouch and perform irrigation, equipping you with the necessary skills and knowledge for successful continent ileostomy care. Educational materials, handouts and educational videos, are provided to help you gain knowledge about the procedure. Written post-operative protocols and schedule ae discussed and provided to you.

Experience the unmatched care and expertise available at Mayo Clinic. Contact us today to begin your journey toward hope, healing and a brighter future.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, has been recognized as the best gastroenterology and GI surgery hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in every year since 1990 when the rankings were first established.

Mayo Clinic Experts Offer Hope With Continent Ileostomy

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