The Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir (BCIR) is a unique option for people who need an ileostomy. Unlike traditional methods, the BCIR is a fully internal system that doesn't require any external bags or appliances. Instead, a pouch is made from the patient's small intestine and placed inside the abdomen. Waste is stored in this pouch and is emptied several times a day using a catheter through a small opening in the abdomen.

Here are some key points about the BCIR:

1. It is completely appliance-free, meaning everything is contained within the body.
2. It is designed for patients who have had their colon and rectum removed.
3. Typical candidates for the BCIR include:
- Those experiencing issues with a conventional (Brooke) ileostomy.
- Patients with a failed continent (Kock) pouch, failed IPAA/J-pouch, or pull-through procedures.
- Individuals with Familial Polyposis, refractory Ulcerative Colitis, poor anal sphincter control, or those who are not suitable for—or wish to avoid—a J-pouch.
4. The acronym "BCIR" stands for:
- B: Barnett, the surgeon who modified the original Kock pouch.
- C: Continent, as the patient controls when to empty the pouch.
- I: Intestinal, since it is constructed from the small intestine.
- R: Reservoir, referring to the internal pouch that holds waste.

For more information on candidacy and the surgical process, you can visit BCIR.com.

Additional insights include:

- A person who has lived with a BCIR since 1993 describes it as the best possible outcome after losing their colon and encourages others facing colectomy to explore this option.
- There are only a few surgeons and centers in the United States that perform the BCIR. For those outside the U.S., it is recommended to contact a BCIR center directly for guidance on international availability.