How to Irrigate a Colostomy

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A colostomy is medically defined as an artificial opening made during a surgical procedure to create a passage for colon waste to be eliminated directly through the artificial passage and out of the body into what is called a colostomy bag instead of traveling through the rectum. Colostomies are often performed on individuals suffering from chronic illness or healing from abdominal injuries. Caring for your colostomy at home is not difficult, but requires a bit of preparation to properly care for on a daily basis. Learning how to irrigate a colostomy will help prevent bacteria and infection, and encourage regular and scheduled bowel movements.

Instructions

Colostomy irrigating container Irrigation sleeve Cone or Funnel Irrigation sleeve clip and adjustable belt Lukewarm water

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- 1
  
  Fill a plastic container with lukewarm water. Test the water temperature on your wrist to make sure it's not hot or cold. A colostomy irrigation can be likened to an enema, so make sure water temperature is comfortable.
- 2
  
  Hang or place the irrigation container at about shoulder level. If necessary, empty the colostomy bag first.
- 3
  
  Sit on the toilet or on a chair next to the toilet to facilitate emptying the irrigation sleeve. Place the adjustable irrigation belt around the waist, adjusting as necessary for comfortable fit. Then, attach one end of the irrigation sleeve to the stoma (the artificial opening) in the abdomen. Place the other end of the irrigation sleeve into the toilet bowl.
- 4
  
  Release any air bubbles from tubing attached to irrigation container. This can be done by releasing the clamp and letting a small amount of fluid drain into the irrigation sleeve. Reclamp the tubing.
- 5
  
  Place the funnel or cone about 2 to 3 inches into the stoma opening. Hold cone or funnel in place and release clamp on irrigation container. Water should flush slowly into the stoma five to 10 minutes.
- 6
  
  Remove the cone from the stoma. Relax and wait for flush contents to drain out of irrigation sleeve into toilet for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- 7
  
  Clip or reseal the bottom of the irrigation sleeve and dry. Wait about 30 more minutes (you can move around during this time) to make sure all output has drained into the irrigation sleeve. Then drain contents of sleeve into toilet one more time. Remove the sleeve and adjustable belt. Clean and dry the area around the stoma and replace with a clean colostomy bag (if used) or cover stoma with cap or cover supplied by physician.