What Is a Continent Ileostomy?
The continent ileostomy, or K-pouch, is a connection of the end of the small intestine, called the ileum, to the skin of your abdomen. It allows waste to be drained. Unlike other ileostomies, the K-pouch or Kock ileostomy, has a valve made by sewing the intestine in a special way so that waste material doesn’t leak out but rather a tube called a catheter is inserted when it’s time to empty the pouch. As the pouch fills with intestinal contents (liquids, partly digested food, etc.), pressure builds up on the pouch and its many stitches. If this is not relieved the pouch could perforate or tear from the excessive stretching or the valve could slip or leak.
