Ileoanal anastomosis with interposition of the ileal 'Kock pouch'. Preliminary results.

For patients needing proctocolectomy, there are several alternatives available today for the previously dominating conventional ileostomy. Currently, the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis attracts major interest. Various reservoir procedures have been proposed, but the ideal reservoir design is still debated. The double-folded ileal reservoir (Kock pouch) has a large capacity, low pressure, and is expandable. It is successfully used for the construction of continent ileostomies, continent urostomies, and for replacing the urinary bladder by connecting the reservoir to the urethra. In view of these facts, it was decided to interpose the Kock pouch between the ileum and the anus after colectomy and mucosal proctectomy in a small number of patients, and to study and evaluate its merits in this position. Six consecutive patients formed the study group. Three months after ileostomy closure the stool frequency was 4 every 24-hours, range 3 to 5, and remained so during the follow-up period. All patients could sleep through the night without bowel movements or soiling. None of the patients used pads. The capacity of the reservoir increased from a mean of 100 ml preoperatively to 550 ml one year after ileostomy closure. The large reservoir capacity and the low pressure can explain the good functional results.