Colostomy Irrigation^*

1. Assemble all equipment for irrigation and appliance change.
2. Remove and discard old pouch.
3. Clean the peristomal skin.
4. Apply the irrigating sleeve; place in toilet or bedpan.
5. Fill container with 500–1,000 mL of warm water, never more than 1,000 mL. Clear air from tubing. Insert lubricated tubing 2–4 inches into stoma. Do not force. Hold container about 18 inches above stoma. Infuse gently over 7–10 min.
6. Allow stool to empty into toilet. Evacuation usually occurs in 20–25 min.
7. If no return after irrigation, ambulate, gently massage abdomen, or give client a warm drink.
8. Once complete, remove the sleeve, and follow guidelines for applying appliance.

^* Colostomy irrigation is seldom used with newer colostomies.