Colostomy Irrigation: Things To Know

The process of emptying your bowel by instilling water into the stoma is known as colostomy irrigation. You can ask your healthcare provider if you can irrigate your colostomy. The primary benefit of this process is that it helps you schedule your bowel movements.

How to irrigate your colostomy?

Your nurse or healthcare provider will train you on how to irrigate your colostomy. Here is what you may need to do.

• First, you will need a plastic irrigating container that will include a long tube and a cone to put into your stoma to instill water. Other supplies that you will need are an irrigation sleeve, an adjustable belt, and a tail closure.
• The time you choose to irrigate your stoma should be the same across all other days.
• Fill the irrigation container with water. The amount of water may be between 16 to 50 ounces. Ask your healthcare provider about the exact amount of water you will need. For irrigation, use lukewarm water.
• First, attach the adjustable belt with the irrigation sleeve. Wrap the adjustable belt around the waist, and adjust it a bit to make sure that the sleeve comes over the stoma. The end of the irrigation sleeve should face the toilet bowl directly.
• Allow a small amount of water to run into the sleeve to remove air bubbles in the tube by removing the clamp. Place the clamp back on the tubing after removing the bubbles.
• Use a water-soluble lubricant to moisten the end of the cone.
• Place the end of the cone into the stoma. Do not force the cone into the stoma. Allow the water to flow into the stoma by removing the clamp from the tubing. Keep the water pressure minimum. Let the cone in place with the clamp removed for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Remove the cone and allow the output to pass into the sleeve. It may take 10 to 15 minutes to empty. Dry the end of the sleeve. Secure the bottom of the sleeve by folding it up onto itself and using a clasp, or by using a tail closure at the bottom of the tail. The sleeve will serve as a colostomy bag, which allows you to move around. Go back to the toilet after 30 to 45 minutes to drain the stomal output from the sleeve collected in that duration. Use water to clean the area around the stoma.

You will still need to take care of the skin around the stoma while adapting to a colostomy irrigation routine. The colostomy irrigation undoubtedly gives you a sense of freedom, but it will necessitate it further for you to make sure to steer clear of any ostomy-related complications.