Anyone who has undergone removal of their entire colon (large intestine) and rectum and have a conventional Brooke ileostomy knows that life goes on. Fortunately, although it is not ideal to have to wear an external pouch continuously to collect digestive waste, most people are able to live a high quality life. This includes activities as diverse as sky diving and scuba diving. They will also make a good emotional adjustment concerning intimacy and sex. However, many ileostomates do not have such a satisfactory outcome. 11% will need a surgical revision during their lifetime. There may be leaks of the seal and allergic reactions to the adhesives. There are clothing limitations because of "bag bulge" from the external pouch filling with liquid or intestinal gas. For all of these people, there is another option -- the Continent Ileostomy. Since 1989 I have been performing the Barnett version of the Kock Pouch continent ileostomy. This is also referrred to as the BCIR or Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir. With this procedure there is no external pouch (bag, appliance). Instead, several times a day (average range 3-6) you painlessly insert a tube (catheter) into the stoma (flat and low on the abdominal wall) to evacuate the gas and waste. You only need a small covering over the stoma to absorb mucous.