The Kock pouch as a urinary reservoir. Pitfalls and perspectives

The Kock continent urinary reservoir is a feasible alternative to traditional methods of urinary diversion in properly motivated patients who are anxious to exchange a convenient external appliance for frequent reservoir catheterization. The major shortcomings are increased operative time, loss of a long segment of small bowel, and an approximate 10 percent incidence of major reoperation. Long-term results are unknown. Facility with the operation requires extensive experience and attention to detail. Most complications are related to inadequate fixation of the intussuscepted valves and improper placement of a short terminal segment in the abdominal wall. Early repair of malfunctioning valves and distal segments that are difficult to catheterize is essential to prevent more severe acute complications. Whether the Kock pouch will replace the standard methods of urinary diversion must be determined by more extensive clinical experience and long-term results.