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Stoma Care

Colostomy irrigation: implementing structured protocol-led follow-up

05 September 2024
Quality of Life
02 September 2024
Volume 33 · Issue 16

Abstract

Colostomy irrigation is a procedure that allows patients to achieve a certain degree of bowel control, and a period free of stoma effluent. It has the potential to improve quality of life, body image and confidence, and reduce patient anxiety. It may also help reduce odour and flatus, prevent/address peristomal skin irritation and alleviate constipation. Because it can reduce or eliminate the need for a colostomy bag, it may also cut expenditure on stoma appliances. However, colostomy irrigation is not offered to patients as standard. A protocol was drawn up to ensure colostomy irrigation was routinely offered to suitable patients and to provide them with a structured follow-up to ensure they were well supported throughout the first year of carrying out the procedure. Quality of life and the efficacy of colostomy irrigation can be monitored using questionnaires on these two issues. Two case studies demonstrate how patients' quality of life can improve when using colostomy irrigation as part of their stoma care routine.

It is estimated that there are more than 205 000 ostomates living in the UK (Marinova et al, 2021), and around 600 stoma nurses, which means there is an average nurse to patient ratio of around 1 to 342. The availability of stoma nurse specialists and long-term support may differ between locations, as some areas may have more stoma nurse specialists than others, so the ratio will vary.

Having a colostomy can have a significant psychosocial impact on patients (Dabirian et al, 2010; Anaraki et al, 2012; Boutry et al, 2021) and these individuals may benefit from interventions intended to improve their quality of life (QoL).

Patients with a colostomy may be able to perform colostomy irrigation, which may improve their QoL and help them achieve a degree of bowel control for a period of 24–72 hours (Hayes, 2013; Cobb et al, 2015; Kent et al, 2015, Boutry et al, 2021; Jones, 2021).

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Stoma
Quality of Life
Colostomy
Stoma irrigation