When performing a colostomy irrigation, the nurse inserts the catheter into the stoma
People with colostomies may choose colostomy irrigation to regulate bowel movements and cleanse the bowel. The process involves flushing the colon daily with water through a stoma (surgical opening) in the abdomen. You don’t need to wear a colostomy bag. People with inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer may need a colostomy and irrigation. Show
OverviewColostomy surgery overviewWhat is a colostomy?A colostomy is a surgical procedure that connects part of the large intestine (colon) to a surgical opening in the abdominal wall (stoma). As part of the digestive system, the large intestine helps move poop (stool) out of the body. When you have a colostomy, stool exits the body through the stoma instead of the rectum. A bag that attaches to the stoma (skin) collects the stool. You empty this bag several times during the day. Some people need colostomies for a short time while the colon or rectum heals. A surgeon then reattaches the ends of the intestine and closes the stoma. Other people need permanent colostomies. A colostomy is different than an ileostomy, which also moves stool out of the body. It connects the small intestine (ileum) to a surgical opening in the abdominal wall. What is colostomy irrigation?Colostomy irrigation is a way to remove stool without wearing a colostomy bag all the time. You use the stoma to wash out the colon with water (like an enema). You perform this procedure at the same time every day, or every other day, depending on your needs. Who needs colostomy irrigation?People with certain digestive tract disorders that affect the large intestine (colon and rectum) may need a colostomy. While there are several conditions that need this, the more common ones include:
Who is a candidate for colostomy irrigation?Irrigation works best when stool is firmer. For this reason, irrigation is only an option if you have one of these colostomy types:
Procedure DetailsWhat colostomy irrigation supplies do you need?You need special medical supplies to perform colostomy irrigations. You can get these supplies from your healthcare provider, pharmacy or medical supply store. You need:
How is colostomy irrigation performed?Your healthcare provider will show you how to perform colostomy irrigation. Here’s what you should know:
Risks / BenefitsWhat are the potential risks or complications of colostomy irrigation?You may develop skin irritation around the site of the stoma. You should call your healthcare provider if you notice signs of infection, such as burning, itching or waterish discharge. It’s normal to have a small amount of blood at the stoma. A colostomy may make you more prone to constipation or diarrhea. It’s important to get enough fiber in your diet and drink plenty of water to prevent these problems. Some people experience a small amount of stool leakage between irrigations. Having a colostomy may affect how you feel about yourself and your body image. It’s not always easy to control things like passing gas and odors. Talk to your healthcare provider if you start to feel anxious or depressed. Recovery and OutlookHow effective is colostomy irrigation?If not having a bag is important to you, colostomy irrigation can be an effective way to remove stool from the body. When to Call the DoctorWhen should I call my healthcare provider?You should call your provider if you experience:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Adjusting to life with a colostomy can be challenging. For some people, a colostomy is temporary. Others will always need one. Your body just needs to do this normal process in a slightly different way. Over time and with practice, irrigation becomes easier. Your healthcare provider can help you adjust to this new way of using the bathroom. Whether you choose to irrigate or wear a pouch, a colostomy shouldn’t keep you from doing the things you love. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information
enews More health news + infoWhen performing a colostomy irrigation The nurse inserts the catheter into the stoma upto?Upto 37 cm is still be considered within safe limits. 66 cm would be too high and couldcause mucosal injury.
How is a colostomy irrigation performed?Colostomy: Irrigating Your Colostomy. Fill the bag. Close the clamp on the tubing attached to the irrigation bag. ... . Put on the sleeve. Remove the cap or pouch from your stoma. ... . Insert the cone. Attach the cone to the tubing on the bag. ... . Remove the cone and clamp the sleeve. Wait about 60 seconds. ... . Clean the cone and the sleeve.. When teaching a client to irrigate a colostomy The nurse indicates that the distance above the stoma should be no more than?The irrigation bag should be hung 12-18 inches above the level of the stoma; a clothes hook is too high which can create increase pressure and sudden intestinal distention and cause abdominal discomfort to the patient.
What should the nurse do after the colostomy irrigation fluid has instilled?After the water has been instilled, have him hold the cone in place for 10 seconds, then remove it from the stoma. Close the top of the sleeve and wait about 15 minutes for returns. Observe for complete emptying of the colon.
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