Rectal irrigation provides a reliable bowel management option, it is easy, quick, effective and hygienic to use, allowing you to live life to the full and not worry about your bowels.
AN INTRODUCTION TO RECTAL IRRIGATION
It is a very effective method of clearing the bowel and maintaining bowel function, and the method improves the quality of life, dignity and self esteem.
Rectal irrigation should be performed regularly (usually daily or every other day) to achieve full continence and prevent constipation.
Rectal irrigation provides a reliable bowel management option, it is easy, quick, effective and hygienic to use, allowing you to live life to the full and not worry about your bowels.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS RECTAL IRRIGATION?
When using conservative methods of bowel management such as manual evacuation, only the distal part of the bowel is generally emptied (figure 1). When using rectal irrigation, the bowel has been shown to empty to the splenic flexure (figure 2).
Using warm water rectal irrigation can successfully empty the bowel so that a further irrigation does not have to take place for another 24-48 hours.
Studies have shown that using trans-anal irrigation is superior to using conservative bowel management methods for individuals with neurogenic bowel dysfunction, regarding long term symptoms and improved quality of life.
Reference: Christensen P, Krogh K, Scand J. Transanal irrigation for disordered defecation: a systematic review. 29 Gastroenterol, 45:517–527. 2010
