What is irrigation and is it for you?

What is irrigation?

Irrigation must always be prescribed by a doctor and instructed by a Stomal Therapy Nurse. Irrigation is a method of emptying the bowel by instilling water via the stoma at regular intervals. They will provide the necessary information, determine if irrigation is advisable and decide when it is time to begin.

Irrigation enables many people with a colostomy to control their bowel function. It is only suitable for sigmoid / descending end colostomies. The procedure requires access to a toilet and clean water for at least one hour. Normally, this is necessary at a regular time every one or two days. It usually takes 2-3 weeks to establish a routine.

Is irrigation for you?

• If you have a sigmoid or a low descending colostomy with formed or semi-formed stool, you could consider irrigation.
• People with a urostomy or ileostomy are not candidates for irrigation, as their output is liquid and attempting irrigation with these types of stomas could do serious harm.
• People with good manual dexterity to correctly operate the irrigation equipment.
• People who have uninterrupted access to bathroom/restroom facilities during the periods they wish to irrigate.