Colostomy Irrigation
Colostomy irrigation is an effective method for emptying the stool from the colon, which can lead to temporary continence and reduce or eliminate the need for an ostomy pouch. Our program aims to teach colostomates how to perform this procedure safely and guide them through performing it themselves. This option improves quality of life, boosts confidence, and simplifies daily routines, especially when away from home. It also makes travel easier by eliminating the need to find places to empty or change a pouch.
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​This program is for ostomates with a descending or sigmoid colostomy and who do not have contraindications for performing Irrigation. If you are interested in finding out if Colostomy Irrigation is right for you, please watch our brief introduction video below.
Is Irrigation Right for you?
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Irrigation is for ostomates with a descending or sigmoid colostomy.
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Do NOT have any conditions that would prevent them from performing irrigation.
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Request a signed order from your healthcare provider to complete our irrigation program.
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Willing to learn the irrigation procedure and successfully complete it independently.
Benefits of Irrigation
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Improves quality of life in general
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Simplifies daily routine and work and travel routine
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Promotes increased independence and confidence
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Saves money
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Provides a periodic reprieve from wearing a pouch
​Do NOT irrigate if you have:
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Active bowel disease e.g.
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Crohn's disease
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Diverticulitis
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Ulcerative colitis
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Altered mental alertness/Cognitive impairment
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Cardiac/renal disease that may cause fluid overload
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Contaminated water source
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Irregular daily schedule
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Irritable bowel syndrome
Exclusions for Irrigation
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Peristomal hernia
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Poor manual dexterity
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Post-radiation of the bowel
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Prone to diarrhea
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Residual or recurrent Colon Cancer
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Stomal prolapse
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Stomal stenosis
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Stomal retraction
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Strictures
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Undergoing chemotherapy
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Visual Impairment/Difficulty seeing stoma
