A process known as irrigation is used specifically for the management of bowels in patients who currently have colostomy. Its main purpose is to clean out a bowel in order to promote regular movement of the bowel. Eventually, the bowel will adapt to this process so you will not “go” shortly after performing bowel irrigation.
Some cases have been documented where individuals have not had a bowel movement for three days once irrigation had been performed regularly. For most people, the longest is two days and during this time individuals with colostomy are able to provide better stoma management. Another benefit of irrigation involves the ability to downsize your colostomy bag from the size that you normally use.
Who is irrigation right for?
In order to irrigate your bowel properly you must have the following:
• Authorization from your healthcare provider
• Tolerance that allows the process to be performed
• Great eye-hand coordination
• A colostomy located in the lower colon and able to turn out bowel that is mostly solid
You need to realize that irrigation will not be appropriate for everybody. There will also be factors that determine your ability to perform the irrigation such as certain existing health issues like Crohn’s disease or undergoing cancer treatments like radiation or chemotherapy.
Beginning the Irrigation Process
As you begin the irrigation process you should consult with your healthcare provider first to make certain that irrigation would be appropriate for your situation.
Most of the time irrigation can be performed if you have fully healed from your colostomy surgery, no current treatments are needed, and no other treatment types are needed afterwards. The soonest that an irrigation can be begun is no sooner than two months after your procedure.
Being Shown how to Irrigate
Your healthcare provider will provide education on how to self-irrigate and which method would be the best for your situation. Being able to carry out irrigation exactly as instructed will make the difference between being able to handle it or not. If you have any doubt, you need to make sure to consult your healthcare provider for clarification.
Advantages Associated with Irrigating
Irrigating bowels has many advantages associated with it such as the following:
• Can decrease the issues that are related to ostomy bag leaks including “pancaking” issues.
• Enables the patient to save money on ostomy supplies by allowing them to wear bags that are not as big as before. This will increase self-confidence in a major way.
• Enables you to choose your own schedule to irrigate so that you will be able to maintain continence.
• Patients are able to manage their own bowel movements
Things to keep in mind
• In order for irrigation to be beneficial, it needs to be carried out regularly at the same time and duration. If any break occurs in the schedule, then a sudden bowel movement could occur.
• Having diarrhea can still commonly occur when you have completed an irrigation session. Make sure that you have supplies ready just in case.
• The amount of time required for the irrigation can be consuming and last at least 30 minutes from start to finish.
