Which statement about colostomy irrigation is true?

• A. It involves irrigation of the small intestine
• B. It is performed daily for all patients
• C. It permanently eliminates the need for an ostomy appliance
• D. It involves irrigation by introducing water into the stoma to cleanse the colon

Answer: (D)

Colostomy irrigation is a technique to regulate stool output by flushing the colon through the stoma. Water is gently introduced into the colon via a cone or catheter placed in the stoma, usually with lukewarm sterile water or saline. The goal is to fill the colon, stimulate peristalsis, and evacuate stool in a controlled way so the person can predict when a bowel movement will occur and reduce leakage. This method is applicable to some people with a colostomy, typically those with a descending or sigmoid colon, and is not suitable or chosen for every patient.

It does not involve the small intestine, so it’s not done for ileostomies. It is not performed daily for all patients; frequency is individualized based on the person’s ostomy type, tolerance, and lifestyle. It does not permanently eliminate the need for an ostomy appliance—an appliance is still worn to collect effluent, and irrigation is a technique to help manage the bowel routine, not a cure.