colostomy irrigation

colostomy irrigation, a procedure used by colostomates to clear the bowel of fecal matter and to help establish an evacuation schedule. Many colostomates establish a regular schedule of evacuation with irrigation, but the procedure may be unsatisfactory for those who have a liquid or semisoft fecal stream, for patients who before the operation had a tendency to experience diarrhea under stress, or for patients with irregular bowel habits.