Clinical aspects of continent ileostomies

Continent ileostomy (Kock pouch) is an alternative to end ileostomy for patients who have undergone total proctocolectomy. The procedure reached the height of its popularity soon after its introduction in 1969, but subsequently was supplanted by ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), an operation that preserves the natural route of defecation. Continent ileostomy is still appropriate for selected patients with ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis who are not candidates for IPAA or for whom IPAA or end ileostomy have failed. Complication rates that initially were high have decreased during the past three decades following the steady introduction of technical improvements.