Colostomy Irrigation

What Is Colostomy Irrigation?

It is a process that involves flushing water through a colostomy stoma to help regulate healthy bowel movements. By emptying the colon at a scheduled time, the colostomy patient is able to regulate bowel movements. This process should always be recommended by a doctor or nurse and each patient should be carefully taught how to correctly irrigate his or her colostomy. Your doctor or nurse may recommend irrigating your colostomy stoma depending on several factors, including:

• The amount of active bowel you have.
• Your regular and lifelong bowel habits.
• Your personal skill and comfort level with using colostomy irrigation products.

The process involves infusing water into the colon through the stoma. This stimulates the colon to empty. By repeating this process regularly once a day or once every second day, the colon can be trained to empty with no spillage of waste in between flushing sessions. The cleaning process can also can help you avoid constipation. Colostomy cleaning is effective when it is done about one hour after a meal, when the colon is most likely to be full. It takes about six weeks to eight weeks for the bowel to become regulated with irrigation. It is important to establish a routine and irrigate at the same time each day.

Different Types of Equipment

There are several different types of products and ostomy suppliesthat you may use if you decide to irrigate your colostomy. This equipment may include some of the following:

• Stoma Cones
• Lubricating Jelly
• Drains
• Tail Closure
• Sleeves
• Adapters
• Irrigation Sets

Find Ostomy Irrigation Equipment

You can find a wide variety of different types through the manufacturers that we carry, such as the following:

• Coloplast: Coloplast offers several different types of products at competitive prices.