Syringe Bulb irrigation option

[serracin]

There is an old method of irrigation, using a simple 8 oz syringe bulb , with a 4 inch pipe.
Why it is hardly mentioned?
Is it safe?
Certainly, much less complicated !
Anybobody using it?

[ot dave]

That sounds like a really inefficient way of irrigating. I've never heard of it..... Early irrigation attempts left some with perforated bowels as they were placing appliances too far into their colon and causing damage. A 4 inch pipe sounds like a likely culprit for causing that kind of damage. 8 ounces of water wouldn't even brush the surface of efficiency for me. I infuse 1500 cc of water 3 times for my irrigation procedure. I suspect it's not mentioned anymore, because like a lot of ostomy care, it's outdated and inefficient, and there are now better methods and equipment.....

David

[Diane C]

If you mean an 8 French catheter or something along those lines and not a pipe, I can sort of understand that. But inserting a thin catheter like that instead of using the standard irrigation equipment might take hours. And you have to continually fill the bulb. See the article on irrigation that's above. The only reason I stuck with Convatec is because of its irrigation sleeves and tupper wear connection to the faceplate. It's strong and does not leak or tear. I tried all the adhesives and they failed, making a real mess. Some swear by Hollister and others but I disliked the twisty tie closure at the top of the sleeve. I have contacted the major manufacturers about this encouraging them to switch to the material used by Convatec. R&D takes money and changes are slow. Highly recommend the Convatec supplies but if you are going to use a catheter and bulb system, you won't need a super strong material as the"effluent" probably will come out with less pressure.

Good luck!

Diane C.
Chronic constipation and dysfunctional colorectal muscles -- MACE procedure 2000
Colostomy 2002
Sigmoid Abscess and repair 2015
Plans in the works to get an ileostomy and close colostomy 2018