Can a suppository be given via a colostomy?

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Has anyone ever given a suppository through a colostomy?

I had a doctor give me an order for tylenol PO or PR. The patient had no rectum (removed due to cancer). I questioned the PR order and the MD said I could just give it through the colostomy. I had never heard of this. Does anyone here know if this can be done?

(The patient was able to take the PO tylenol without a problem, so the suppository was never needed.)

I was just wondering if anyone had heard of this.

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I have heard of MSO4 pills given rectally.....I guess it depends on where the ostomy is located.

Suebird :p

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yes, have given supp. per colostomy. must be careful, must remember where colostomy is. if empties too soon, then no use.

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Specializes in Surgical.

yes, if the surgeon orders it. Had an order from the medical doc to give suppository via new colostomy and called the surgeon to make sure it was ok and he said no. If the surgeon himself ordered suppository or enema via colostomy then ok.

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I remember having to do the enema bit via colostomy waaaay back,but then again, it wasn't a 'new' colostomy, either.

I doubt that OP meant in a 'new' surgical one, anyhow.

Suebird :)

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I have never done it but I know you can. If it is an enema our ET nurses do it.

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Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.

Okay I am just thinking logically here, but why do we order things PR...one, of course...can't take by mouth for a reason...okay. Well now number two (lol no pun intended) is because the rectal area is so well vascularized and tight that medications are easily absorbed there. I don't feel a colostomy has those same perks..LOL! Three...to hopefully in some cases cause parastalsis...okay another reason the colostomy may not be the best.

But it isn't impossible...I would just be going ooooooookayyyyyyyyy.

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