Remember: It's important to avoid adhesive buildup. Adhesive removers can help you wash away adhesive residue easily without traumatizing sensitive skin. Skin irritations, including changes, rashes or breakdown of the skin around the stoma, may be caused by leakage from around the skin barrier or pouch, or by irritation from an improperly fitting pouching system. On this site, you will find a wealth of information about Ostomy supplies that are available. Check out our links to sites that sell pouches, skin barriers and other supplies designed especially for Ostomates.

Colostomy Irrigation

Irrigation is a technique some people with a end colostomy select as an option to wearing pouches. Irrigation (enema) is a system designed to promote a “regular” control of bowel habits whereby water is introduced into the bowel via a stoma cone irrigator into the stoma itself. It empties the colon of content so that it is not necessary to wear a bag. Instead, a discreet stoma cap with a filter is placed over the stoma and allows for a timed emptying of the bowel each day.

Irrigation is not for everyone with a colostomy and should be performed only after a serious consultation with the surgeon and the ET nurse. Your surgeon is the person who can confirm if you are a candidate for irrigation.

The Hollister Company is one of the major providers of Ostomy supplies. The Hollister irrigation systems come in a few varieties. The Starter Kit contains all that is needed to perform irrigation. It comes with complete with sleeves, water bag, belt, stoma lubricant, cone connector and cleaning brush.
  

           Following is a glossary of terms that may help new Colostomates understand more about irrigation:

• Irrigator Water Bag: A flexible water reservoir with a capacity of around 2000ml with a protective spill lip and hanging points for mounting from hooks. It has approximate fluid measures down the side of the bag to assess the amount of fluid being introduced into the stoma.

• Stoma Cone: A specialized cone tip that is inserted gently into the stoma to allow the introduction of fluid. This connects directly to the water bag. The shape of the cone is designed to protect the stoma from accidental perforation. It also acts as a seal around the stoma opening to prevent fluid loss during the irrigation process.

• Irrigation Sleeve: A long drainable pouch affixed around the stoma or base plate and held there with a belt. It has an opening on the top to allow the introduction of the cone tip into the stoma opening. The bag can then be place between the legs directly into the toil while irrigation is process. It also may be closed with a clamp, allowing the wearer of the sleeve to continue to move around while the colon continues to empty.

• Stoma Lubricant: A water based lubricant that is used to lubricate the stoma cone before inserting it into the stoma.

• Cleaning Brush: A flexible plastic brush designed to clean the end and the inside of the cone tip.

• Stoma Cap: A small discreet pouch with an inbuilt filter for gas deodorization and a pad inside for absorbency. This is for application to the stoma instead of a pouch. It comes in a variety of sizes, styles and adhesives.
  

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