Which is a contraindication to colostomy irrigation?

• A. Not for urostomy or ileostomy patients
• B. Not for patients with irregular work schedules
• C. Not for patients with stoma prolapse
• D. Not for patients with formed feces

Answer: (A)

Colostomy irrigation relies on a functioning colon to receive water and then evacuate formed stool through the stoma at predictable times. That only makes sense when the colon is present and producing stool. In an ileostomy, the colon is bypassed and stool is usually liquid, so irrigation won’t yield a predictable formed output and can lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. In a urostomy, there is no stool at all to regulate, since urine is diverted instead. Because of these reasons, colostomy irrigation is not appropriate for patients with ileostomies or urostomies. Other scenarios may complicate or limit the process, but the fundamental barrier is the absence of a colon or fecal output to manage.