January/February 2006
Page 7
Questions and Answers
Via: The Tomy Tabloid, Editor: Charlotte Allen, RNC, BSN, CETN
Q: Do you think it is a good idea to rinse out my colostomy bag when I empty it?
Answer: I usually teach my patients the proper procedure for rinsing out your pouch when emptying it, but then leave it up to you if you want to continue to
rinse it or not. By proper procedure, I mean rinsing the pouch up to the level of the bottom of the stoma. I find sometimes people rinse the pouch too vigorously and cause the adhesive seal around the stoma to loosen from inside the pouch by introducing water at the seal. Some people feel more comfortable using an opaque colored pouch and not having to worry about rinsing it at all.
Again, I think it is a personal preference with what you are most comfortable with. Many people get along just fine without ever rinsing the pouch.
Q: When a colostomate gets a blockage from eating too much food, should a laxative such as prune juice be taken? Should heat be applied? Would it be a
good idea to irrigate?
Answer: When a colostomate gets a blockage, in most cases, it is due to constipation caused by eating constipating foods, a lack of physical activity,
or use of pain medications. It is quite OK for a colostomate to take a mild laxative. The use of prune juice is an excellent suggestion. Foods with fiber,
like bran, make the stools less constipating. For a person who has not irrigated, the other methods should be tried first.
Ileostomates should take NOTE: Treatment for blockage for persons with an ileostomy is different from the above. AVOID laxatives, DO NOT irrigate, and consult with your ET nurse about the best procedures for you to take.
SOURCE: The Re-Route, Evansville, IN. October 2005, via Inside Out On-line Jan/Feb 06.
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