How to Perform Stoma Irrigation

Colostomy patients have an alternative to the tradition pouch system designed to collect fecal material that exits the body through a stoma (an area where the colon has been attached to an opening in the abdomen). If you have a colostomy in the lower part of your colon and if you have semi-formed or well-formed stools, you may be a good candidate for irrigation. If you are considering this, first consult your surgeon to ensure that you don't have any conditions that would prevent you from using irrigation techniques.

Things You'll Need

• Water reservoir
• Tubing with controllable flow
• Cone
• Lubricating jelly
• Disposable irrigation sleeve
• Bag for disposal
• Adjustable belt
• Tail closure
• Toilet tissue
• New appliance (if worn)

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Instructions

• 1

  Connect the tubing, cone and water reservoir together. Fill the water reservoir with between 16 and 50 oz. warm water. Hang the reservoir on a hook so that the bottom is at the same level as your shoulder as you sit straight on the toilet.

• 2

  Attach the irrigation sleeve to the adjustable belt. Put the belt around your waist, placing the irrigation sleeve over your stoma. The end of the sleeve should go into the bowl of the toilet.

• 3

  Release the clamp on the tubing to release any air bubbles. Allow a little bit of water to go into the sleeve and place the clamp back on the tube.

• 4

  Moisten the end of the cone with water or lubricating jelly and place the tip into your stoma (approximately 3 inches). Release the tube's clamp and allow water to flow into your stoma. This should take between 5 and 10 minutes, after which you should allow the cone to remain in place for an additional 10 seconds before removing.

• 5

  Allow the output from your stoma, after removing the cone, to drain between 10 and 15 minutes in the irrigation sleeve. Afterward, dry the end of the sleeve and clip it. This enables you to move around for the next 30 to 45 minutes while the remaining fecal matter and water drain from your stoma.

• 6

  Remove the sleeve, after the draining has subsided, and empty the contents into the toilet and gently cleanse the area surrounding your stoma with soap and water. Pat dry and reapply your stoma cap or other appliance. Wash and dry all equipment, discarding the disposables.