A surgically created internal reservoir using the end of the small intestine after removing the colon to provide an alternate pathway to the passage of waste materials is known as a continent ileostomy. Two continent ileostomies that connect to an opening in the abdomen through a valve are a BCIR and Kock pouch. A BCIR is the advanced form of a Kock pouch.

The valve in this system consists of living tissues from the small intestine. It is self-sealing, so it remains closed the entire time to prevent waste contents from flowing out of the internal pouch. It allows you to draw the waste out when you want. At the time of emptying the internal pouch, you are going to have to insert a flexible catheter into it. This catheter will suck the wastes out. You can empty this internal reservoir directly into the toilet through the catheter. You may have to do it three to five times a day.

A catheter is the only external item that you will need to use to manage your BCIR, and it may last for several months. As discussed above, a BCIR is an advanced form of a Kock pouch. A Kock pouch has some limitations that may include leakage and peristomal skin infections. The valve used in the BCIR has better self-sealing capabilities to prevent leakage. This continent pouch also has the extra capacity as compared to a Kock pouch, allowing you to reduce your toilet visits significantly. In other words, a BCIR helps you live a more active and healthier life.

The most significant difference between a traditional ileostomy and a BCIR is control. You may consider having a BCIR if there is no chance for the reversal of your ileostomy. The purpose of this internal pouch is to give you back the control over when to evacuate bodily wastes. It means that if you want to hold stool evacuations for longer durations, it is possible with a BCIR. One of the most bothersome issues with a traditional ileostomy is the risk of leakage, which can compromise the seal between the skin barrier and the peristomal skin to cause uncomfortable skin infections. These risks become more heightened if you play sports or choose to remain in bed when you should be visiting the toilet to empty or change the pouch. Following a routine to change the ostomy pouch while making sure that your peristomal skin remains in good health is also nothing less than a challenge. A BCIR frees you from all these troubles quite effectively. It helps you sleep the entire night without having to worry about going to the toilet to manage stool evacuations. You can also engage in the sports activity of your choice. You may even lift heavy objects during fitness training. You will need to discuss your fitness training regimen with your doctor, though.

Whether or not you qualify for a BCIR depends entirely on the length of the small intestine you will have after the removal of the diseased section of the bowel. The doctor will also take into consideration your preferences.