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Our experts offer seamless and minimally invasive approaches to treat ulcerative colitis.
Sometimes, patients need their colon or rectum removed to treat conditions like ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes sores in your colon and rectum. Continent ileostomy is a specialized ulcerative colitis treatment to contain your stool.
A continent ileostomy, also known as a Kock pouch or K-pouch, is a pouch made from your small intestine that collects stool inside your body. The pouch attaches to an opening in your body called a stoma. This opening helps you drain the pouch through a tube whenever you want and is more discreet than a traditional ileostomy.
Our colorectal specialists are here to treat your ulcerative colitis with unmatched expertise. We offer seamless and minimally invasive approaches, even for complex needs. Our goal is to help you find relief and get back to the life you love.
If you’re receiving a Kock pouch, you’ll need an ileostomy. An ileostomy is a procedure that directs the end of your small intestine (ileum) to a stoma in your abdomen. Your surgeon can create your Kock pouch during your ileostomy or, later, during a separate procedure.
Your surgeon will start creating your Kock pouch by measuring about 18 inches at the end of your small intestine. They will fold this length into a “U” shape against the rest of your intestine and join the ends. Then, they will open the intestine within the “U” and stitch the lining together to create a pouch. Your surgeon will leave a few loose inches at the end to form a tail. This tail will attach to a valve in your stoma.
The valve helps prevent incontinence (inability to control the loss of stool). You will use the valve to connect a tube and empty the pouch several times daily.
After a continent ileostomy, you’ll take three to five days to recover in the hospital. Your nurse will give you fluids and nutrition through an IV. You also may have wound drains and a urinary catheter (tube) to help empty bodily fluids.
It will take another few weeks for you to recover at home and get used to your new normal. Your nurse will teach you how to drain and care for your Kock pouch. At first, you may have to empty the pouch about eight times a day. But your pouch will grow over time; eventually, you’ll only need to drain it two to four times daily.
Our colorectal surgeons and specialists will be by your side through surgery and recovery. We’ll provide the education and support you need to use your Kock pouch safely.
We are one of the only surgery teams in California that perform continent ileostomy (also known as “Kock pouch”) as an alternative to “J-pouch” surgery for ulcerative colitis.
Our advanced technologies and surgery techniques help you feel better and heal faster.
We take the time to know you. We’ll personalize your treatment plan to your unique needs.
