The Role of the Enterostomal Therapist for Patients Operated with a Kock Pouch

Abstract

This chapter describes the history of the enterostomal therapy, which was started by the famous surgeon Rupert Turnbull and the first enterostomal therapist Norma Gill at the Cleveland Clinic and focuses on the enterostomal therapist’s role in caring for patients undergoing surgery with the formation of a continent ileostomy, the Kock pouch. The chapter describes hands on techniques on caring for patients with a Kock pouch. The preoperative counseling, stoma siting and the pre- and post-operative period will be described, specifically the irrigating procedure and dressing regime of the Kock pouch as well as the special diet required. Then follows a part specifically for pregnancy and problems that might occur during that time. At the end of the chapter is a section, which deals with complications that might occur with practical tips on how to address and solve these or to deal with them, while the patient waits for further examinations and possible surgery to correct the problems.