Medication administer through the colostomy?

[Hopice]

Can medication be administered via the colostomy? Pt had rectal Ca. & is not swallowing. Thanks for you information in advance.

[leslie :-D]

I spoke with several gastroenterologists who told me this and also said NEVER to put anything into a stoma even if it is ordered by a doc.

are you talking about ileostomies, colostomies or both?

(i 'think' you're referencing ileostomies, but need clarification)

thanks!

leslie

[XB9S, BSN, MSN, EdD, RN, APN]

gastroenterologists who told me this and also said NEVER to put anything into a stoma even if it is ordered by a doc. The only thing going into the stoma of an ileostomy patient is the GI docs finger for examination, or the colonoscope and that's it. I am glad this subject came up. I don't think there is enough education for nurses or even docs for that matter, about ostomies.

I have to agree with Earle here, we actually have nurse specialist in stoma care and they spend their whole time educating stoma care to pateints, nurses and medics. They also teach how to medicate via a colostomy.

[Bubonic Betty]

are you talking about ileostomies, colostomies or both?

(i 'think' you're referencing ileostomies, but need clarification)

thanks!

leslie

Ileostomies. I have heard of some patient who irrigate their colostomies. I would assume you would want to still be careful with a colostomy stoma though.