nasal trumpet for fecal incontinence

Christie RN2006 · Oct 25, 2007

We use them all the time! No, they were not designed for that use, but they work! I just reposted a reply to this same topic in the general forum...

nurseabc123 · Oct 25, 2007

We use them all the time! No, they were not designed for that use, but they work! I just reposted a reply to this same topic in the general forum...

We used them in the unit where I worked as a tech, they worked great - however, can damage the rectum and rectal tone. We use FMS's where I work now - expensive, I think $150 each.

bigshoelover · Oct 25, 2007

Has anyone used or heard of using nasal trumpets for fecal incontinence in the icu? We have used them and they work great but our management says we can no longer use them because they are not made for that purpose. I need some evidence based articles or feedback supporting their use. Thanks

I work in MICU and we use them alot, but have recently (w/i last 12 mo) began consistently using FMS, which are better for pt tissues. Rectal trumpets are good in the interim...but is very dependent on thickness of stool, of course. I have not seen any articles arguing use and we have tried to steer away from their use since our hospital does not have written policy to include thier use....protecting our license you understand...

momthenRN · Nov 4, 2007

Pardon my ignorance, but how does using a nasal trumpet "catch" the incontinent stool? Do you put a bag over it or attach a drainage bag from the opening? We have never done that,...

ICUColtRN · Nov 7, 2007

I've never heard of this. We either use 1)fecal bag, 2)rectal tube or 3)the zossi tube, which is becoming more common, and less invasive to patients, and can stay in a LONG time (without the damage).

mnurse3139 · Nov 8, 2007

You place the flared side in first and other tip to empty foley bag, just be careful as not to damage any tissue, I have mostly used them on hepatic pts on lactulose that poop all night. Oh it is frowned on in our unit, but try and keep a pts skin intact when they are usually pooping straight for 24hrs.

blueheaven · Nov 9, 2007

Has anyone used or heard of using nasal trumpets for fecal incontinence in the icu? We have used them and they work great but our management says we can no longer use them because they are not made for that purpose. I need some evidence based articles or feedback supporting their use. Thanks

Let them fork out the money for the "evidence based" flexiseals or other products that are out there.

blueheaven · Nov 9, 2007

You place the flared side in first and other tip to empty foley bag, just be careful as not to damage any tissue, I have mostly used them on hepatic pts on lactulose that poop all night. Oh it is frowned on in our unit, but try and keep a pts skin intact when they are usually pooping straight for 24hrs.

we use rectal bags here too that are like a colostomy bag but stick to the rectal area. They work great as long as they stick!!

mommybear · Mar 18, 2009

nasal trumpets have been know to separate and move up in the colon, then the patient goes to surgury, it only works with liquid stool, gets expelled, and leaks, ruins the sphinter muscle. The Zassi is the only product capable of handling all consistencies of stool, can medicate with their port, is FDA approved which I want my license protected, why use an option not approved for that when you have one that is..............

mnurse3139 · Mar 18, 2009

We barely started using flexiseals in our unit last year, and now pts are accepting them. Have not needed to use nasal trumpets attached to foley bags anymore.

wanderlust99 · Mar 19, 2009

Yes, used to do this all the time! Until everyone caught up w/it...no we aren't allowed.

I like the bags that catch the poop, that way you don't have to insert anything....or stretch anything. :)