Bowel Irrigation video guides

How does it work?

Peristeen® Plus allows the bowel to empty by introducing water into the bowel using a rectal catheter. The rectal catheter has a built in balloon that when inflated helps to hold the water in place. When the balloon is deflated, the water is then emptied from the bowel along with stool, into 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 a user may find they only have to irrigate every other day. Peristeen® Plus is performed while sitting on the toilet. 

Used routinely, daily or every other day, Peristeen® Plus 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® Plus:

• Prevents bowel leakage and constipation for up to two days¹
• 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 life²

And that’s not all…

By minimizing the risk of bowel accidents, Peristeen® Plus minimizes the likelihood of skin irritations. It can also help prevent urinary tract infections and help reduce flatulence.²  

Learn more about Peristeen® Plus or contact a Peristeen product specialist

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Using Peristeen® Plus 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® Plus 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® Plus regularly. Keep to the plan that your doctor or nurse has recommended. Regular bowel emptying with Peristeen® Plus 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® Plus. 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 support.

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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 themselves, 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® Plus.