Best Doctor List Near You for Kock Pouch in Calistoga

The Kock pouch is a type of continent ileostomy, a surgical procedure used to create an internal reservoir or pouch from a portion of the small intestine (ileum) for patients who have had their colon and rectum removed, typically due to conditions like ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis. This internal pouch is designed to store waste, allowing the patient to control when they empty it, unlike traditional ileostomies, where waste is continuously expelled into an external bag. The Kock pouch has a valve made from the small intestine, which prevents stool from leaking and allows the patient to empty the pouch by inserting a catheter into the stoma (an opening in the abdomen. The main reason for constructing a Kock pouch is to provide a more convenient and controlled method of waste elimination for patients who require the removal of their colon and rectum. It is often chosen by patients who wish to avoid the continuous use of an external ostomy bag and prefer more discreet waste management. Complications of the Kock pouch can include valve slippage or malfunction, which may result in leakage or difficulty emptying the pouch. Additionally, patients may experience infections, pouchitis (inflammation of the internal pouch), or blockages. Surgical revisions are sometimes necessary to correct valve issues or other complications. Long-term complications might involve scarring, fistulas, or difficulty in maintaining proper catheterization. Despite these risks, the Kock pouch can offer a better quality of life for patients by providing them with control over their waste elimination process.