Things You'll Need:
- Coloplast irrigation bag (has temperature meter and flow gauge)
- Irrigation cone
- Drainage bag
- Elastic belt
- Bath towel or loose-fitting sweat pants
- Stoma cap
-
Step 1
Fill the bag with warm water to about 16 oz. (½ liter), checking the temperature gauge. The water temperature should be about 94 to 100 degrees F. to avoid cramping.
-
Step 2
Let some water run through the tubing to remove any air.
-
Step 3
Close off the water flow valve.
-
Step 4
Hang the irrigation bag at a height of about 6 feet.
-
Step 5
Connect the drainage bag around your abdomen using the elastic belt, with the hole at the top of the bag positioned in front of the stoma.
-
Step 6
Insert the irrigation cone through hole in the drainage bag into the stoma. Some people use some lubricant on the cone; discuss this with your ostomy nurse.
-
Step 7
Release the flow valve.
-
Step 8
Sit on the toilet and wait until the water passes through the drainage bag into the toilet.
-
Step 9
Remove the cone.
-
Step 10
Let the bowel evacuate through the drainage bag into the toilet.
-
Step 11
Remove the cone from the stoma.
-
Step 12
Turn down the top of the drainage bag and close it off.
-
Step 13
Wash off the cone, and let the last bit of water out of the tubing.
-
Step 14
Sit on the toilet for a few minutes as the bowel continues to empty, flushing every once in a while.
-
Step 15
Tuck the bottom of the drainage bag under the belt with the opening facing up. Wrap the towel around you waist or put on some sweat pants, and relax someplace comfortable. Empty out the bag when there is an evacuation.
-
Step 16
Remove the bag once the bowels are finished evacuating; put on the stoma cap.
