What is a Kock Pouch?

A Kock pouch is a type of continent fecal diversion that allows the patient to empty their bowels in a different way.  Any time the digestive system is not working properly, a surgeon can perform a continent or incontinent diversion.

As seen in the picture above, with a Kock pouch the patient’s colon and rectum is removed and an internal pouch is made out of the patient’s small intestine.  A patient inserts a catheter inside the stoma to reach the internal pouch and empty the bowels.  It is for this reason that ostomy professionals need to learn about catheters and catheter management.

Catheters for Kock Pouch

Because fecal material is obviously thicker than urine, the catheters used for a Kock pouch are different.  These catheters are larger in diameter and have larger eyelets in order to allow stool to exit the body.  Two catheters that are commonly used are Medena and Marlen.  Because the bowels are not a sterile environment, patients do not need to use a sterile technique.

Catheterization Schedule

How often a patient will need to empty their bowels will be determined by many factors.  But, most patients will insert a catheter to empty their bowels once every 4-6 hours.  It is important that patients set reminders as it can be easy to forget.

To learn more about fecal diversions and ostomy management, check out our ostomy management certification course .

Jeffrey Despommier, OTR, OMS, CUA, ATP

About the author – Jeffrey is an occupational therapist with over 15 years of rehabilitation experience. He is board certified as a urologic associate and ostomy management specialist.  He also specializes in complex rehab technology and is board certified as an assistive technology professional.