The Barnett Continent Intestinal reservoir is a self-sealing pouch modified by William O. Barnett from the Kock pouch. The illustration below shows the pouch and the self-sealing valve with the innovative "living collar". A key to success of the BCIR is that the valve and the collar are constructed from the patients own tissue, using a short segment of the small intestine.

The pouch is attached to the wall of the abdomen, with a short segment of the intestine leading from the pouch to the stoma. Because there is no external appliance, the stoma can be located lower on the abdominal wall. Thus, revealing clothing such as a bathing suit will not show the opening.

The pouch is internal and self-sealing. After a period of adjustment, most patients find they can empty the pouch at their convenience, usually two or three times a day.

The drainage process is simple and quickly mastered. The pouch is emptied using a small silicone tube, called a catheter. As indicated in the illustration, the tip of the catheter is inserted gently into the tip of the pouch, allowing the contents of the pouch to flow directly into the toilet. This can be done in a public restroom. You should find this to be an easy process.

Most patients cover the stoma site with an adhesive dressing to absorb the mucus that accumulates at the opening. This mucus formation is natural, and makes insertion of the catheter easier.