Bowel irrigation - how to guides

Learn more about bowel irrigation

Introduction to bowel irrigation

Finding a reliable way to empty your bowels is essential in order to avoid unwanted complications such as bowel leakage or constipation.

Learn more about bowel irrigation
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Introduction to bowel irrigation

How does it work?

Peristeen empties the bowel by introducing water into the bowel using a rectal catheter. It is performed whilst sitting on the toilet. The water is then emptied from the bowel, along with the stool, into the toilet. The lower part of the bowel is emptied so efficiently that most users only have to irrigate every other day.


Used routinely, daily or every other day, Peristeen can help reduce the physical discomfort and mental worry of bowel leakage and constipation, making it easier to take part in social activities, go to work or travel.


The benefits of using Peristeen:

  • Prevents bowel leakage and constipation for up to two days
  • Enables you to decide when to empty your bowels.
  • Lets you choose what time of day you want to irrigate, so it fits in with your lifestyle
  • Improves quality of life

 

And that’s not all…

By minimising the risk of bowel accidents, Peristeen minimises the likelihood of skin irritations. It can also help prevent urinary tract infections and help reduce flatulence. Learn more about Peristeen or contact Customer Care.

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 Learn how to irrigate your bowels using a anal irrigation system

Bowel irrigation guides for adults using Balloon Catheter

Regular emptying of your bowels can make a big difference to your quality of life. Learn how to irrigate your bowels using a bowel irrigation system.

Watch the step-by-step bowel irrigation guide
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Bowel irrigation guides for adults using Balloon Catheter

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Using Peristeen® daily or every other day, as recommended by your doctor or nurse, helps prevent bowel leakage and constipation. This means that you don’t have to worry about leakage and can feel confident to do things you want to do.

 

Take your time

Using Peristeen will mean having to get used to a new routine, but the effort will pay off. Regular emptying of your bowels can make a big difference to your quality of life.


The three most important things to remember when getting started: 

  • Use Peristeen regularly. Keep to the plan that your doctor or nurse has recommended. Regular bowel emptying with Peristeen helps prevent leakage and constipation. It can also reduce the time you need to spend taking care of your bowels. 
  • Find a time when you can empty your bowels without being disturbed or rushed. The exact time that you empty your bowel is not critical, but try to keep to the same each day, so that you get in a regular routine. 
  • Keep in regular contact with your doctor or nurse during the first few months of using Peristeen. They can help you with any queries you might have and help you adjust your routine if needed. You can also contact Coloplast Customer Care for advice and support.
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 Learn how to irrigate your bowels using a anal irrigation system

Bowel irrigation guides for adults using a Cone Catheter

Regular emptying of your bowels can make a big difference to your quality of life. Learn how to irrigate your bowels using a bowel irrigation system.

Watch the step-by-step bowel irrigation guide
Close

Bowel irrigation guides for adults using a Cone Catheter

icon

Using Peristeen® daily or every other day, as recommended by your doctor or nurse, helps prevent bowel leakage and constipation. This means that you don’t have to worry about leakage and can feel confident to do things you want to do.

 

Take your time

Using Peristeen will mean having to get used to a new routine, but the effort will pay off. Regular emptying of your bowels can make a big difference to your quality of life.


The three most important things to remember when getting started: 

  • Use Peristeen regularly. Keep to the plan that your doctor or nurse has recommended. Regular bowel emptying with Peristeen helps prevent leakage and constipation. It can also reduce the time you need to spend taking care of your bowels. 
  • Find a time when you can empty your bowels without being disturbed or rushed. The exact time that you empty your bowel is not critical, but try to keep to the same each day, so that you get in a regular routine. 
  • Keep in regular contact with your doctor or nurse during the first few months of using Peristeen. They can help you with any queries you might have and help you adjust your routine if needed. You can also contact Coloplast Customer Care for advice and support.
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Step-by-step Bowel guide for children

Bowel irrigation guides for children

Learning how to empty their bowels is an important step in your child’s development. It helps them feel more confident and gives them the freedom to take part in social activities like swimming or playing with friends.

Watch step-by-step bowel guide for children
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Bowel irrigation guides for children

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Most children with spina bifida, especially when they are younger, rely on their parents to help them empty their bowels. Traditional methods to prevent bowel leakage and constipation include change of diet, suppositories, enemas, constipates, stool softeners and laxatives.


More predictable

Some children, however, find these methods of treating the bowels ineffective, as you cannot schedule when you will have a bowel movement, which often results in bowel accidents.
Bowel irrigation is one type of bowel care routine that ensures bowel movements are both regular and predictable. If performed regularly, it will make your child feel more comfortable and prevent problems such as bowel leakage and constipation.


What exactly is bowel irrigation?

Bowel irrigation is when water is introduced into the bowel via the rectum, using a rectal catheter. The water stimulates the bowel and flushes out the stool. The process takes about 30–45 minutes. After irrigating, the lower part of the bowel is empty. Bowel irrigation is performed every 1 to 2 days.

 

It is important to do it regularly as:

  • Regular irrigation prevents bowel accidents, simply because the lower bowel is empty of stool
  • Regular irrigation prevents chronic constipation as it encourages bowel movements, meaning they become regular 

 

Until your child learns how to irrigate themself, you need to make sure that it is done correctly and safely. Find a good, regular routine that works and encourage your child to take an interest. They will have to do it themselves when they are older.


It can be a good idea to keep track of your child’s progress. For inspiration, why not download and print a the Bowel Emptying Diary (pdf, 1MB).


Coloplast offers a bowel irrigation system called Peristeen®.

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Teach your child the empty poo game

Teaching children to empty their bowels using the Poo Game

As soon as your child shows an interest in being part of emptying their bowels you should start to involve them. A fun way to do this is to use the Poo Game – a card-based game that teaches them the basic steps. The Poo Game

Becoming independent

As your child develops, they will want to become more independent. This is a natural part of growing up. The same goes for the child’s toilet habits. When you feel your child is ready, you can start teaching them about going to the toilet and emptying their bowels.

The Poo Game

The Poo Game is a set of cards that you can use to teach your child how to empty their bowel. The cards can be used to play different fun games that can be adapted to suit age and skills. Simply print the cards, cut them out and you’re ready to play.

The Poo Game has been designed to help you and your child learn toilet habits in a fun way. It’s simple to use and as the child gets the hang of it, it’s easy to make it more challenging. Have fun!

Download playing cards (pdf, 1MB)

Download instructions (pdf, 1MB)

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Remember…The Poo Game is meant as a training supplement, not to replace actual instructions for use. Consult a doctor or a nurse to get proper guidance or training in how to use the bowel flushing product you have chosen and always read the instructions.

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