The Kock ileostomy reservoir: an experimental study of methods of improving valve stability and competence.

The performances of four valve designs which have been used in clinical practice in the Kock continent ileostomy reservoir were examined and compared to four further modifications in an experimental study on dogs. It was found that a stable valve could be consistently produced by subjecting the gut, which forms the valve, to deep seromuscular diathermy and by excluding in mesentery completely from the intussusception. Construction of the valve with the autosuture GIA Stapling device shortened the operating time considerably but did not improve on valvular stability.