How do I Flush a Stoma?

Sitting on the toilet may make the process of irrigation feel more natural.

A colostomy is a surgically induced opening in the colon. Colostomy irrigation is a way to regulate stool through emptying the colon on schedule. Irrigation involves instilling water into the colon through the opening (stoma), which stimulates the bowel to empty. Repeated irrigation trains the bowel to empty with minimal stool between irrigations. Colostomy irrigation is a personal decision. The advantages of irrigation are freedom of movement, increased comfort, decreased gas, minimal odor, and less diarrhea and constipation.

Things You'll Need

• Irrigation set
• Irrigation sleeve one-piece or two-piece, depending on choice
• Closures (included with the set)
• Lubricant
• Hook
• Small plastic garbage bag (to get rid of the sleeve)
• Wipes (for clean up)

Instructions

1. Purchase irrigation kits from the medical supply store. Prepare the bag by closing the water regulator on the irrigation bag tubing. Fill the bag with one quart of lukewarm tap water. Test the water temperature. Lukewarm or slightly cooler water temperature works best.

2. Place the bag on a hook in the bathroom near the toilet. The bottom of the container should be shoulder high while standing. The bag should hang at eye level while sitting. Sit on the commode; it may make it feel more natural.

3. Set up the sleeve. Remove the colostomy pouch and clean the skin around the stoma. Position the sleeve. Align the stoma in the center of the irrigation sleeve's ring. Fasten the belt if the kit uses a belt. Place the open end of the sleeve in the toilet.

4. Open the regulator and let some water trickle out through the opening in the top of the sleeve. Do not put the water in the stoma. Drain some water into the sleeve or the basin. This way the air leaves the tube.

5. Lubricate the cone tip. Shut the water regulator and gently insert the cone, included with the kit. Drain the colon. Press the cone in the stoma firmly. Open the regulator and run the water into the colon. Stop or slow the water with discomfort. The process will take around five minutes.

6. Remove the tip of the cone from the stoma and close the irrigation sleeve when the water in the irrigation bag has emptied into the colon. Keep the cone tightly pressed against the stoma until you feel pressure build up.

7. Remove the cone making sure the sleeve cuff is up. Drainage may start evacuating immediately and with force. Close the sleeves top. Sit patiently with the sleeve in the toilet for about 15 to 20 minutes until draining has stopped.

8. Leave the sleeve in place and clamp it. It is safe to leave the bathroom now. Most of the water and stool will return into the sleeve in the next 20 to 30 minutes. However, a dehydrated person may retain some of the fluid.

9. Return to the bathroom when the stoma has stopped draining. Rinse with remaining water in the container and remove the sleeve. Wash the skin around the stoma. Dry the stoma area and apply the ostomy appliance over the stoma. Clean the sleeve and bag for future use.

Tips & Warnings

• Irrigate consistently each day. The process will take approximately 45 minutes to an hour for completion.

• Do not irrigate if there is diarrhea or illness. Resume irrigating when normal bowel function returns.

• Drink six to eight glasses of water daily, unless directed otherwise.

References

• Mount Nittany: Discharge Instructions: Irrigating Your Colostomy
• National Center of Continuing Education: Caring for the Ostomy Patient
• Ostomates: Irrigating Your Colostomy
• Free-Ed: Colostomy Irrigation