Achievement

The Colostomy Irrigation Kit with patent by Dr Sajeed A (Additional Professor, Radiation Oncology Department) and Smt. Mayadevi.L (staff nurse, senior grade) at the Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram is a reality now with the joint collaboration of RCC and HLL Lifecare Limited.

This kit is designed for patients who undergo abdominoperineal resection requiring a permanent large intestine stoma, particularly in the treatment of sigmoid colon and descending colon cancers. Although sphincter-preserving surgery is often performed for rectal cancer—thereby avoiding the need for a permanent colostomy bag—it is not suitable for all patients, especially when the tumor size is large. In such cases, patients must rely on a colostomy bag for life, which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, particularly during travel, social gatherings, and in office settings.

In this context, the colostomy irrigation kit provides a simple solution that helps restore confidence in patients by alleviating the psychological trauma and social stigma associated with colostomy bag usage. Furthermore, it significantly enhances the quality of life for colorectal cancer patients.

Principles of Irrigation

The goal of irrigation is to distend the bowel, prompting it to contract and evacuate its contents. Colostomy irrigation is the process of removing stool from the bowel by flushing it with irrigation fluid, typically lukewarm water.

Benefits of the Colostomy Irrigation Kit

• Provides good continence control for the ostomate through planned evacuations, eliminating the need for appliances between irrigations.
• Considered more cost-effective compared to regular use of colostomy appliances.
• Helps reduce troublesome symptoms such as skin soreness, gas production, and fecal odor.
• Improves confidence and ability to participate in daily activities such as work, sports, and personal relationships.

Ideal Candidates for Irrigation

• Patients who have undergone descending colostomy
• Patients who have undergone sigmoid colostomy

Product Advantages

• Cost-effective
• Skin-friendly
• Uses a simple technique

Components of the Colostomy Irrigation Kit

• 1 Irrigator
• 2–3 Irrigation sleeves
• 1 Ostomy belt
• 1 Ostomy clip
• 5 Closed-end bags
• 5 Open-ended bags