Published Aug 1, 2010
I had a pt. with left side colostomy and with a rectal tube and I could'nt figure out why there is still an output on the rectal tube. can anyone help me with this. I appreciate the comments.
Maria Lenore,RN
78 Posts
You have to check this with the physician.
HollyHobby
157 Posts
We have a frequent flyer in my ICU who has an ileostomy AND a colostomy AND she still has several loose stools from her rectum each day. If she had a decubitus, she'd need a rectal tube too. She can't have more than a few inches of bowel attached to that rectum, but it's enough to produce stool all by itself.
Even the surgeon admits he has no idea where all that poop comes from.
cherrybreeze, ADN, RN
1,405 Posts
We have a frequent flyer in my ICU who has an ileostomy AND a colostomy AND she still has several loose stools from her rectum each day. If she had a decubitus, she'd need a rectal tube too. She can't have more than a few inches of bowel attached to that rectum, but it's enough to produce stool all by itself.Even the surgeon admits he has no idea where all that poop comes from.
Had the same issue with a patient recently. Had a loop colostomy done due to a decub, but would still have large soft stools via his rectum. He was started on a supp to treat an inflammatory bowel condition as well, and when you'd give it, that was enough stim to start a flow of stool (not mucus), and a lot of it! He also had decent output from the ostomy. No idea why.