[Technique and significance of the Kock pouch]

The development of the continent ileostoma (Kock pouch) is delineated and its results are reviewed. Leading centers achieved continence in more than 90%. High rates of complications and relaparotomies in the early phase could be significantly reduced by technical modifications. Development of ileoanal pouch procedures have, however, confined the continent ileostomy to special indications.