US3672370A

US3672370A - Colostomy irrigator

Info

Publication number: US3672370A
Application number: US21287A
Authority: US
Inventors: Arthur E Marsan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-03-20
Filing date: 1970-03-20
Publication date: 1972-06-27
Anticipated expiration: 1989-06-27

Abstract

This invention is characterized by the provision of an irrigator for colostomy and similar conditions, comprising a container for the irrigating liquid and a drain for the discharge from the patient, combined in an assembly including a short-length catheter for injecting the irrigating liquid, the assembly comprising a single article of manufacture which functions in irrigating in all positions of the patient including upright ambulatory, the irrigator being designed for low cost of manufacture so that it is disposable after use.

Description

United States atent 1 51 3,672,370 Marsan 1 1 June 27, 1972 [54] COLOSTOMY IRRIGATOR 2,616,425 11/1952 Pappas; ..128/283 2,421,294 5/1947 Shotton ....128/241 [721 Invent mma", Escndld 3,216,420 11/1965 Smith et a1..... ..128/283 7991?- 3,481,334 11/1969 Diskin at al. ..128/240 x [22] Filed: March 20, 1970 Primary Examiner-Richard A. Gaudet [2 APP 21,287 Assistant E.raminer]. Yasko Attorney-John F. McCanna [52] U.S. Cl... ..l28/227, 128/283 57 B T A T [51] lnt.Cl. ..A6lm 3/00 I l A S R C [58] Field of Search ..l28/227, 228, 232, 240, 241, This invention is characterized by the provision of an irrigator 128/283, DIG. 24 for colostomy and similar conditions, comprising a container for the irrigating liquid and a drain for the discharge from the [56] References Cited patient, combined in an assembly including a short-length catheter for injecting the irrigating liquid, the assembly com- UNITED STATES PATENTS prising a single article of manufacture which functions in irrigating in all positions of the patient including upright am bu- 2,869,547 1/1959 Yohe ..128/283 latory, the irrigate]. being designed for low cost of manuhao 1,355,727 10/1920 Almlem' ture so that it is disposable after use. 3,292,625 12/1966 Marsan.. 2,902,036 9/1959 Perry ..128/283 21 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures PMENTEDJUNZY 1912 SHEET 1 BF 2 wif' COLOSTOMY IRRIGATOR This invention relates to the medical field, particularly to the subject of internal irrigation as in the treatment of colostomy and related conditions. The invention deals with the design and manufacture of devices and appliances used in the act of irrigating the intestine of a patient and also in the technique of irrigating.

In this field medical science has advanced to where more patients are being benefited in the treatment of colostomy and related conditions, but in view of the many variations and uncertaintiesin individual cases the equipment and technique used is not altogether satisfactory.

My invention aims to improve both the equipment and technique as applied to colostomy irrigation, to the benefit of the patients and the nurses and others who care for such patients.

In considering this subject some of the uncertainties and problems should be borne in mind. To begin with, irrigating a colostomy patient is to administer an enema through the stoma. The stoma is the end of the intestine that protrudes through the abdominal wall. The stoma is the point of discharge of fecal matter from the intestine. This surgical procedure is usually required if a blockage occurs in the large intestine. The blockage can quite often be a tumor which requires surgical removal of a section of the bowel and the rectum. The stoma replaces the rectum. However, the stoma lacks the sphincter muscle which permits a person to open or close the rectum when this action is needed. Therefore, the stoma opening is not controllable by the need or will of the patient and hence the bowel can discharge when necessary without warning, and without any wilful control of the patient. As a consequence of uncontrolled discharge of the bowel, the patient can suffer great hardship and embarrassment, particularly if away from home when fecal discharge occurs. This erratic discharge can occur several times a day. To assist the patient, some doctors recommend that the patient take an enema once each day at the same time every day. The purpose is to train the bowel to evacuate the fecal mass at the same time each day. The enema seems to induce the bowel to discharge a greater amount of feces than normally. This then reduces the necessity for the bowel to discharge additional feces between irrigations. Some doctors will not permit their patients to irrigate themselves because there is danger with some equipment of forcing the enema tube ending, called the catheter, through the wall of the intestine. If the intestine wall is perforated, feces can pass through the perforation into the abdominal cavity and be fatal to the patient.

In prior practice of irrigating, it has been customary to insert the catheter from 6 to l 2 inches through the stoma opening and into the intestine. The intestine does have some twists, turns, or bends, and the catheter must follow this path. The catheter is usually made of soft rubber or plastic so that it can bend or flex with the turns in the intestine; but because of the variables in the patient, the construction of the catheter, the manipulation of the long catheter, troubles occur. In an effort to avoid this, a long catheter tube has been used having a pronounced taper tip whr-- 1 is pressed into the opening of the stoma and enters only a fraction of an inch. However, in the use of this catheter objectionable pressure is apt to occur against the wall of the stoma. Also, in prior practice it is invariably necessary to use separate units; one, the bag for the irrigating liquid, and a second unit for receiving the drain or discharge from the stoma. These and other conditions made for difficulties, dissatisfaction, and expense.

The principal object of my invention is, therefore, to provide a generally improved colostomy irrigator, together with improved technique in the irrigating process.

One of my objects is to provide a totally disposable low-cost irrigator that includes all the components. This, I believe, is distinctly new. The advantages will be described hereinafter.

Another object is to provide an irrigator which will serve a wider range of uses than heretofore; that is, first it is adapted for use when the patient is lying in bed or reclining; secondly,

when the patient is in sitting position on a toilet with the drain going into the toilet bowl; and thirdly, when the patient is in upright position and completely ambulatory so as to permit walking about and movement anywhere during the irrigating process.

Another object is to provide a new construction which will and use.

Another object is to provide a new and improved valve structure for controlling flow of the irrigating liquid to the catheter and into the stoma intestine.

Another object is to provide a colostomy irrigator unit of the character described which is of such simple construction as to permit of its manufacture at a relatively low cost, thereby benefiting both the user and the producer. In this connection I have aimed to construct the irrigator unit in such manner that it will serve satisfactorily the purposes intended and, by reason of its low cost it may be disposable in its entirety with all its components after a single use.

Other objects and attendant advantages will be understood by those skilled in this art as the invention becomes better understood by reference to the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 illustrate generally the application of a colostomy irrigator embodying my invention, to three types of usage, namely, FIG. 1 with the patient standing and fully ambulatory, FIG. 2 with the patient lying in bed, and FIG. 3 with the patient sitting on a toilet;

FIG. 4 is a face view of my colostomy irrigator showing the inner side which receives the stoma. This view omits the catheter. Also, sections in the length of the liquid container and the drain pouch are cut away;

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are perspective views showing sheets of film at the inner and outer side walls of the film body, also an intermediate film sheet; FIG. 5 shows a belt-attaching gasket applied to the inner sheet; FIG. 6 shows a short-length catheter attached to the intermediate sheet; and FIG. 7 shows a combined valve and probe which coact with the catheter, attached to the outer sheet;

FIG. 8 is a diagramatic section lengthwise through the film sheets shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, showing their connection to the upper film body which is the liquid container and to the lower film body which is the drain pouch or tube;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged section taken on the section line 99 of FIG. 4, diagramatic as to the specific shape or disposition of the film sheets when in actual use;

FIG. 9A is a section taken on the section line 9A9A of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a modified making up the film body;

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 show another body; and

FIGS. l5, l6 and 17 show still film body.

In FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 I have illustrated somewhat diagramatically an important feature of my invention characterized by the fact that the irrigator is constructed for a wider range of applications than prior irrigators. That is, my invention provides one irrigator construction which will function in the irrigating process regardless of the bodily position of the user, whether sitting, lying in bed or otherwise reclining, or in upright standing position in which the patient is fully ambulatory. The only difierence in these uses is that in the standing use the bottom end of the drain pouch or tube is closed so as to retain the discharged feces. In the other two applications the bottom end of the drain is cut off as with scissors so that the discharge will drain into a receptacle. It will be seen that my invention provides a unitary article which may be hung from the neck of the user or from a suitable stand or support. The intention is that the components which make up this unitary irrigation article are constructed in such manner that they may be manufactured at a relatively low cost. The irrigator and improved catheter permit simple and easy application form of the film sheets modified form of the film another modified form of the will be convenient for use and economical as to cost. With this construction it is intended that the user may dispose of the entire article with all its components after a single use. This eliminates many of the objections to prior irrigators. Furthermore, the components making up my new irrigator are in a new relationship wherein the desired irrigating process may be satisfactorily performed in any of the described different conditions.

Referring now to the construction of the irrigator: My invention contemplates components comprising a container for the irrigating liquid and a drain pouch or tube for receiving the discharge from the patient, together with a short-length catheter arranged in a novel combination for application to the stoma and whereby these components will perform effectively under all the conditions above described. In the preferred form of my invention these components are embodied in a tubular body structure which may be constructed in any of various modifications. Preferably this body is made of plastic film such as polyethylene sheet approximately 0.0015 of an inch in thickness. Polyethylene is used because of its low cost and also because it is well adapted to manufacturing steps using heat treatment in assembling the components. However, other materials could be used such as other plastics, rubber, paper, fabrics, metal foils, and laminates of the above materials. The form shown in FIGS. 4 to 9 inclusive comprises a tubular body structure making a container 21 for the irrigating liquid and a drain pouch or tube 22 which receives the discharge from the patient. In this form the container and the drain are joined by

walls

23 and 24 making a complete tubular body from top to bottom. The side wall 23 has a large circular stoma-receiving opening 25 adapted to receive the stoma when the irrigator is positioned on the patient, as will be presently described. The tubular body is normally flat, roviding an inner side wall 26 joined to an outer side wall 27 at the bends 28. The inner side wall 26 and the outer side wall 27 of the container 21 are heat sealed at 29 and 31 to the top edges of the

sheets

23 and 24, respectively, entirely across from bend to bend, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8. The top edges of the drain are similarly heat sealed at 32 and 33 to the

sheets

23 and 24. These

sheets

23 and 24 are further heat sealed one to the other along their

longitudinal edges

34 and 35, as indicated in FIG. 4. This completes the tubular body structure from top to bottom. The top end of the container is folded over at 36 for strengthening. Eyelets 37 are applied through this top portion to receive a cord 38 which is adapted to encircle the patients neck. The irrigator is supported on the patient by the cord 38 and by a belt 39 presently to be described, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. For the lying in use the cord 38 would be hooked to a suitable stand or the like, as shown in FIG. 2. The container is open at its top end for filling and closed at its bottom end by a transverse film wall 41 which is heat sealed across its top edge at 29 to the inner wall 36 of the container and across its bottom edge at 33 to the outer wall 27 of the drain 22. The drain 22 is normally closed at its bottom by heat sealing at 42, but this closed end may be cut off when the irrigator is used to drain into a separate receptacle, as above mentioned.

Referring now to the connection of the irrigator to the stoma area, I provide a sealing means surrounding the opening 25 on the inner face of the tubular body adapted to seat against the patient around the stoma opening in the abdomen. This is preferably in the form of a ring or gasket 43 generally similar to that described in my pending application for US Pat. Ser. No. 795,]38, or it may be a ring shape of polyethylene having slotted belt receiving ends 44 integral therewith, as here shown. This gasket may be heat sealed to the sheet 23 since both are of the same material, or it may be otherwise afiixed to the sheet 23. The gasket may, however, be of other material such as rubber, fabric, molded wood fiber, paper, or cardboard treated for water-proofing and strength. The face of the gasket may be treated with gel or foamed gel to provide a more effective seal around the stoma opening, as in my pending application above mentioned.

Referring now to the catheter, it will be observed that instead of the long catheter tubes used with prior irrigators, I have provided a relatively short-length catheter 45 which is fixed to a flange 46 which in turn is united to the transverse wall 41, as shown in FIG. 9. The inlet end 47 of the catheter opens into the liquid container and receives the liquid directly from this container as distinguished from the prior art in which catheter tubes of considerable length are connected to liquid supplies entirely remote from the patient. Flow of liquid from the container to the catheter is controlled by a tapered valve 48 adapted to be moved axially into and out of seating against the tapered inlet opening 47 of the catheter. This valve has a stem or probe 49 extending into the catheter passage 51 and terminating in a small probe head 52 which nonnally closes the tip opening 53 when the valve 48 is closed. The small hole 50 on the side of the catheter is an alternate passage-way for the irrigating liquid in case the tip opening 53 becomes plugged with feces. The valve 48 is fixed to a flange 54 which in turn is fixed to the sheet 24. The catheter tip 55 is rounded to facilitate entrance into the stoma. The catheter is made of extruded vinyl chloride that is highly plasticized, but it may be of other material such as polyethylene. The catheter and flange 46 are a unit adapted to be manipulated from the exterior of the tubular body as by gripping the flange by the fingers, it being apparent that this is permissible and convenient because of the thin film body and its flexibility. Such manipulation is for the purpose of inserting the catheter into the stoma and positioning the catheter into the stoma before the film body is in position with the gasket 43 sealed against the abdomen of the patient. The flange 46 acts as a stop to limit insertion of the catheter into the stoma and also as a seal to prevent back-flow of the irrigating liquid. In so positioning the catheter, the valve 48 is closed by frictional engagement with the tapered inlet end of the catheter. Also the valve will be held closed by inward pressure of the fingers against the film sheet 24 in the act of manipulating the catheter unit. It will be noted that the container is divided lengthwise by heat sealing the inner and

outer walls

26 and 27 along a line 56 from 57 at the top opening to 58 just above the heat seals 29 and 31. This provides plural liquid compartments open at the top for filling and both opening at the bottom into the area just above the heat seals 29 and 31. Thus the liquid fills the container compartments down into the area 59, thereby supplying liquid to the entrance end 47 of the catheter unit. This construction is beneficial because it prevents the liquid from collecting in the bottom of the container and forming a bulbous shape which would result in undue pressure on the thin film at this point and also undue pressure on the adjacent heat seals. The belt 39 is preferably made as a laminate of plastic tape and paper. The plastic tape provides strength and water-proof qualities. The paper on the inner side of the belt provides a softer surface for contact with the skin of the patient. It also absorbs perspiration and avoids irritation and cutting of the skin. With this belt it is not necessary to use metal or plastic buckles.

In use of the irrigator it is first determined which type of use is desired. The irrigator is sold with the drain sealed at 42 and, as above mentioned, this sealed end will be cut off for positions shown in FIGS. 2 or 3. The irrigating liquid is usually water, but on doctors recommendation other ingredients may be added. Before filling the container the valve 48 should be checked to make certain it is closed, also the cord 38 and the belt 39 should be checked to see that they are properly fastened and ready for use. One end of the belt should be securely fastened to the gasket 43, as shown in FIG. 4. The container should be filled with the quantity of liquid recommended by the doctor. The liquid capacity of the container may vary according to specifications desired, but ordinarily the irrigator would hold one to two quarts of liquid. The irrigator would then be positioned on the patient with the cord looped around the neck, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, or supported from a stand or suitable support, as shown in FIG. 2. The cord length would be adjusted to position the catheter at the same level as the stoma. The catheter would then be moistened with water, vaseline, or other suitable material to facilitate entrance into the stoma. The catheter would then be gently inserted into the stoma by manipulation as described above. The next step would be to wrap the other end of the belt around the patients waist and thread it through the other slot in the gasket, and then pull the belt snug so that the gasket fits tightly against the abdomen surrounding the stoma. The loose end of the belt may be turned back and under the belt proper to secure the connection. If positions FIGS. 2 or 3 are used, the discharge end of the drain would be placed in the toilet bowl or in a pail or other suitable receptacle depending on conditions at hand. It would be proper to now press the catheter flange against the stoma and gradually pull out the tapered valve stem. It should not be pulled out all the way at this point because the liquid might flow too rapidly and cause intestinal cramps. The liquid should flow in as the patients condition permits. It usually takes about ten minutes to empty the container. The valve stem should now be pressed into the catheter and gentle pressure by the fingers should keep the catheter flange against the stoma to prevent back-flow. The probe'52 on the end of the valve stem may be manipulated by movement of the flange 54 to break up or dislodge any feces that may enter the catheter and prevent flow of the liquid into the bowel. The liquid is usually retained in the intestine from 5 to l0 minutes to allow time for liquid to break up the fecal mass. The catheter is then withdrawn by grasping the flange 46, allowing the fecal mass to discharge into the drain. This generally requires about 20 to 30 minutes to fully clean out the feces from the intestine. The irrigator is then removed and disposed of as by burning in an incinerator. Other steps are normal such as washing the stoma area with mild soap and water. Usually it is customary to place a gauze pad over the stoma or apply a disposable plastic pouch to the area. 1

Modifications and alternative forms of the tubular body are shown in FIGS. to 17, inclusive. FIG. 10 shows a single sheetof film 61 folded at 62 to provide an inner side wall 63 and an outer side wall 64. These walls will be heat sealed along their edges 65 making a continuous tube from top to bottom. A film sheet 66 similar to the sheet 41 equipped with a catheter unit will be heat sealed between the

walls

63 and 64 along the edge 60 to the inner wall and along the edge 60 to the outer wall, similar to the heat seals 29 and 33, respectively, in FIG. 8, thereby dividing the tubular body into a liquid container at the top and a drain at the bottom. The inner wall 63 will have a stoma opening and a gasket and the outer wall a valve, as in the first described form. The intermediate sheet 66 will be equipped with a catheter. The catheter and valve will be positioned in cooperative relation in the course of assembling and heat sealing the sheets. The modification in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 has two separate

full length sheets

67 and 68 which will be heat sealed along their side edges to provide the tubular body. The film sheet 69 will be heat sealed in position between the

sheets

67 and 68 similar to the intennediate sheet 41, thereby dividing the tubular body into a liquid container at the top and a drain at the bottom. These sheets will be otherwise constructed and equipped with gasket, catheter and valve, as in the first described form. In the third modification, the film sheet 71 shown in FIG. forms the inner wall 72 of the drain and is provided with a stoma opening and gasket. The full length sheet 73 has the catheter attached thereto. Sheet 73 will be positioned at the outer side of sheet 71 and heat sealed thereto along the edges 74, 75 and 76. This completes the inner side wall 77 and the outer side wall 78 of the drain. The film sheet 79 shown in FIG. 17 has the valve attached thereto, as in FIG. 7. This sheet 79 will be positioned at the outer side of the sheet 73 with its valve in coaction with the catheter. Sheet 79 will be heat sealed to sheet 73 along the side edges 81 and 82 and also along the edge 83. Thus the sheet 79 becomes the outer side wallof the liquid container and the upper portion of the sheet 73 becomes the inner side wall of the container. The heat seal at 83 defines the lower end of the liquid container, similar to the heat seal 33 in the first described form.

It will be evident from the foregoing that the invention may be embodied in various forms and species. Also, in the manufacture of the irrigator, changes may be made in the construction of the parts and components within the scope of the appended claims, in which:

I claim:

1. A colostomy irrigator comprising, in combination, a container for the irrigating liquid having a filling opening and an outlet end, a drain for the discharge from the patient, a shortlength catheter having an inlet end mounted directly to the outlet end of the container and connected thereto for receiving the irrigating liquid therefrom and having a discharge end for injecting into the stoma the irrigating liquid from the container, and means permanently connecting the liquid container, the drain, and the catheter in coactive relationship as a single article of manufacture disposable as a unit after a single use.

2. A colostomy irrigator as set forth in claim I, in which the liquid container and the drain are part of a tubular body structure with the liquid container at the upper end thereof and the drain at the bottom end, and in which the catheter is positioned intermediate the liquid container and the drain.

3. YA colostomy irrigator comprising, a container for the irrigating liquid open at its top end for filling and closed at its bottom end, a drain at the bottom end of the container having a stoma-receiving opening, a short-length catheter having an inlet end and an injection end, the catheter connected at its inlet end to the container for receiving irrigating liquid therefrom and positioned in the area of said stoma-receiving opening whereby the catheter may be manipulated for insertion of its injection end into the stoma and for withdrawal therefrom to permit intestinal discharge through the stoma into the drain, and means permanently connecting the container, the drain, and the catheter in coactive relationship as a single article of manufacture disposable as a unit after a single use.

4. A colostomy irrigator comprising a tubular body structure providing a liquid container at its top end portion and a drain pouch at its bottom end portion and having an interior wall dividing the liquid container and the drain pouch, the body structure having a stoma-receiving opening intermediate the container and the drain pouch opening into the drain pouch, and a short-length catheter in the area of the stomareceiving opening having a flange fixed to its inlet end and to said wall with its inlet end opening into the liquid container, said flange adapted to be manipulated from the exterior of the body structure for positioning the catheter in the stoma of a patient. 1

5. A colostomy irrigator as set forth in claim 4, including a valve in the inlet end of the catheter adapted to be manipulated from the exterior of the body structure for controlling flow of liquid from the container into the inlet end of the catheter.

6. A colostomy irrigator comprising, a tubular body providing at one end a container for the irrigating liquid and at its opposite end a drain for the discharge from the stoma, the tubular body having an opening intermediate the container and the drain adapted to receive the stoma of a patient when the tubular body is positioned on the patient, a wall within the tubular body adjacent to the stoma-receiving opening dividing the container from the drain, the drain being open to the stoma so that the stoma can discharge into the drain, and a catheter attached at its inlet end to said wall to receive irrigating liquid from the container, the catheter being free for manipulation from the exterior of the body structure for inserting its tip into the stoma.

7. A colostomy irrigator as set forth in claim 6, including valve means coacting with the inlet end of the catheter for controlling flow of the irrigating liquid through the catheter.

8. A colostomy irrigator as set forth in claim 6, including valve means coacting with the inlet end of the catheter for controlling flow of the irrigating liquid through the catheter, said valve means being attached to an outer wall of the tubular body and having a probe extending into the catheter, the valve means being operable from the exterior of the tubular body for controlling said flow.

9. A colostomy irrigator including a body structure of flexible material including a liquid container and a drain pouch having a stoma-receiving opening, means for supporting the body structure on a patient with said opening in position to receive the patients stoma, a short-length catheter having a flange member fixed to its inlet end, the catheter flange member fixedly and permanently mounted to the liquid container in the area of said opening and adapted to be manipulated by grasping the body structure with the fingers for insertion of its tip end into the stoma and for withdrawal therefrom.

10. A colostomy irrigator as set forth in claim 9, including means for supplying irrigating liquid to the inlet end of the catheter, and a valve in said inlet end of the catheter movable to control said flow of liquid.

11, As an article of manufacture, a colostomy irrigator comprising a tubular body structure of plastic film having plural sheets of film, one of which is a single sheet extending from end to end of the body structure, one end portion of the body structure serving as a container for the irrigating liquid and the opposite end portion serving as a drain, one of the film sheets having a stoma-receiving opening, and a catheter in the area of said opening connected to the container for receiving irrigating liquid therefrom adapted for injecting said liquid into a patients stoma.

12. A colostomy irrigator comprising, a tubular film body having spaced inner and outer side walls, means for supporting the body with its inner wall against the abdomen of the patient, a transverse wall intermediate the top and bottom ends of the tubular body dividing the body into a top container for the irrigating liquid and a bottom drain, the inner side wall having beneath and adjacent to the container a stoma-receiving opening, a gasket fixed to said inner side wall surrounding said stoma-receiving opening and adapted to seat against the patient around the stoma when the irrigator is in position on the patient, a belt attached to the gasket for holding the irrigator in such position, a short-length catheter mounted at its inlet end on said transverse wall at the drain side thereof with its injection end extending into the area of said stoma-receiving opening, the inlet end of the catheter being open to the container to receive liquid therefrom, valve means mounted on the outer side wall of the body at the container side of the transverse wall having a stem extending into the catheter through its inlet end, the catheter having a flange at its inlet end adapted to be manipulated from the exterior of the tubular body for injecting the catheter into the stoma and for removing it therefrom, the valve means also adapted to be manipulated from the container into the catheter and into the stoma, whereby when the catheter is removed the stoma will discharge into the drain.

13. A colostomy irrigator comprising, a tubular body structure the top portion of which serves as a container for the irrigating liquid and the bottom portion serves as a drain to receive the discharge from the patient, the body structure having a stoma-receiving opening intermediate the container and the drain, means for supporting the body structure on a patient with the stoma-receiving opening in position to receive the stoma, said means comprising a loop attached to the top end of the container for encircling the patients neck and a belt attached to the intermediate portion of the body structure for encircling the patients waist and holding the body structure with its stoma-receiving opening in position to receive the stoma, a catheter connected at its inlet end for receiving irrigating liquid from the container and injecting the liquid into the stoma, the catheter being removable from the stoma after the liquid injection, the drain portion of the body structure being open at its top to receive from the stoma the discharge from the intestine of the patient.

14. As an article of manufacture, a colostomy irrigator comprising, a normally flat tubular body structure having spaced side walls one of which is provided with a stoma-receivin opening located midway intermediate the top and bottom 0 the body structure, the portion of the body structure above said opening serving as a container for the irrigating liquid and the portion beneath said opening serving as a drain for receiving the discharge from the patient 3 STOMA, MEANS FOR SUPPORTING THE BODY STRUCTURE ON THE PATIENT COMPRISING A LOOP ATTACHED To THE BODY STRUCTURE ADAPTED To ENcrrtcLE THE PATrENTs neck and a belt attached to the body structure in the area of said stoma-receiving opening adapted to encircle the patients waist and hold the body structure with its stoma-receiving opening in a position in which the stoma enters said opening, a short-length catheter in said stoma area having its inlet end connected to the bottom of the container for receiving liquid therefrom and passing the liquid into the catheter when the catheter is inserted into the stoma for irrigating the intestine, the catheter being removable from the stoma after the irrigating process, the upper end of the drain being open to the stoma to receive the material discharged from the stoma after the catheter has been removed, whereby the irrigator when supported on the patient by said means will serve the irrigating process in any of the sitting, reclining, or upright ambulatory positions of the patient.

15. An irrigator appliance comprising components, namely, a container for the irrigating liquid open at its top end for filling and closed at its bottom end, a drain component at the bottom end of the container having a stoma-receiving opening, and a catheter component having an inlet end and an injection end, the catheter connected at its inlet end to the container for receiving irrigating liquid therefrom and positioned in the area of said stoma-receiving whereby the catheter may be manipulated for insertion of its injection end into the stoma and withdrawal therefrom to permit intestinal discharge through the stoma into the drain, said components operatively connected in co-operative relationship to perform the described functions and, constituting a single article of manufacture disposable as a unit after a single use.

16. An irrigating appliance comprising a tubular bag one end portion of which serves as a supply receptacle for the irrigating liquid and the opposite end portion serves as a drain for receiving the irrigating discharge from the patient, means intermediate said end portions closing one from the other, and a catheter mounted within the drain portion and connected to receive irrigating liquid from the supply receptacle for performing the irrigating function.

17. An irrigating appliance as set forth in claim 16, in which the tubular bag and the catheter are components associated in and as part ofa unitary article of manufacture.

18. An irrigating appliance as set forth in claim 16, in which the tubular bag is a plastic film and the catheter is constructed so that it can be manipulated by the operator grasping the exterior ofthe bag in performing the irrigating function.

19. A colostomy irrigator comprising a unitary structure providing an upper container for the irrigating liquid and a lower drain to receive the fecal discharge from a stoma, the container having a filling opening and an outlet end, the drain having a stoma-receiving opening, the unitary structure including a short-length catheter having an inlet end mounted directly to the outlet end of the container and connected thereto for receiving the irrigating liquid therefrom and having a discharge end adapted to extend through said stoma-receiving opening in the drain for delivering the liquid into the stoma.

20. A colostomy irrigator as set forth in claim 19, including means adapted to encircle the neck of the patient connected to the top of the container for supporting the container and its contents on the patient.

21. A colostomy irrigator as set forth in claim 20, including a belt adapted to encircle the waist of the patient and connected at its ends to the unitary structure for holding the irrigator in position against the abdomen of the patient.

Claims

1. A colostomy irrigator comprising, in combination, a container for the irrigating liquid having a filling opening and an outlet end, a drain for the discharge from the patient, a short-length catheter having an inlet end mounted directly to the outlet end of the container and connected thereto for receiving the irrigating liquid therefrom and having a discharge end for injecting into the stoma the irrigating liquid from the container, and means permanently connecting the liquid container, the drain, and the catheter in coactive relationship as a single article of manufacture disposable as a unit after a single use.

2. A colostomy irrigator as set forth in claim 1, in which the liquid container and the drain are part of a tubular body structure with the liquid container at the upper end thereof and the drain At the bottom end, and in which the catheter is positioned intermediate the liquid container and the drain.

3. A colostomy irrigator comprising, a container for the irrigating liquid open at its top end for filling and closed at its bottom end, a drain at the bottom end of the container having a stoma-receiving opening, a short-length catheter having an inlet end and an injection end, the catheter connected at its inlet end to the container for receiving irrigating liquid therefrom and positioned in the area of said stoma-receiving opening whereby the catheter may be manipulated for insertion of its injection end into the stoma and for withdrawal therefrom to permit intestinal discharge through the stoma into the drain, and means permanently connecting the container, the drain, and the catheter in coactive relationship as a single article of manufacture disposable as a unit after a single use.

4. A colostomy irrigator comprising a tubular body structure providing a liquid container at its top end portion and a drain pouch at its bottom end portion and having an interior wall dividing the liquid container and the drain pouch, the body structure having a stoma-receiving opening intermediate the container and the drain pouch opening into the drain pouch, and a short-length catheter in the area of the stoma-receiving opening having a flange fixed to its inlet end and to said wall with its inlet end opening into the liquid container, said flange adapted to be manipulated from the exterior of the body structure for positioning the catheter in the stoma of a patient.

9. A colostomy irrigator including a body structure of flexible material including a liquid container and a drain pouch having a stoma-receiving opening, means for supporting the body structure on a patient with said opening in position to receive the patient''s stoma, a short-length catheter having a flange member fixed to its inlet end, the catheter flange member fixedly and permanently mounted to the liquid container in the area of said opening and adapted to be manipulated by grasping the body structure with the fingers for insertion of its tip end into the stoma and for withdrawal therefrom.

11. As an article of manufacture, a colostomy irrigator comprising a tubular body structure of plastic film having plural sheets of film, one of which is a single sheet extending from end to end of the body structure, one end portion of the body structure serving as a container for the irrigating liquid and the opposite end portion serving as a drain, one of the film sheets having a stoma-receiving opening, and a catheter in the area of said opening connected to the container for receiving irrigating liquid therefrom adapted for injecting said liquid into a patient''s stoma.

13. A colostomy irrigator comprising, a tubular body structure the top portion of which serves as a container for the irrigating liquid and the bottom portion serves as a drain to receive the discharge from the patient, the body structure having a stoma-receiving opening intermediate the container and the drain, means for supporting the body structure on a patient with the stoma-receiving opening in position to receive the stoma, said means comprising a loop attached to the top end of the container for encircling the patient''s neck and a belt attached to the intermediate portion of the body structure for encircling the patient''s waist and holding the body structure with its stoma-receiving opening in position to receive the stoma, a catheter connected at its inlet end for receiving irrigating liquid from the container and injecting the liquid into the stoma, the catheter being removable from the stoma after the liquid injection, the drain portion of the body structure being open at its top to receive from the stoma the discharge from the intestine of the patient.

14. As an article of manufacture, a colostomy irrigator comprising, a normally flat tubular body structure having spaced side walls one of which is provided with a stoma-receiving opening located midway intermediate the top and bottom of the body structure, the portion of the body structure above said opening serving as a container for the irrigating liquid and the portion beneath said opening serving as a drain for receiving the discharge from the patient3 stoma, means for supporting the body structure on the patient comprising a loop attached to the body structure adapted to encircle the patient''s neck and a belt attached to the body structure in the area of said stoma-receiving opening adapted to encircle the patient''s waist and hold the body structure with its stoma-receiving opening in a position in which the stoma enters said opening, a short-length catheter in said stOma area having its inlet end connected to the bottom of the container for receiving liquid therefrom and passing the liquid into the catheter when the catheter is inserted into the stoma for irrigating the intestine, the catheter being removable from the stoma after the irrigating process, the upper end of the drain being open to the stoma to receive the material discharged from the stoma after the catheter has been removed, whereby the irrigator when supported on the patient by said means will serve the irrigating process in any of the sitting, reclining, or upright ambulatory positions of the patient.

17. An irrigating appliance as set forth in claim 16, in which the tubular bag and the catheter are components associated in and as part of a unitary article of manufacture.

18. An irrigating appliance as set forth in claim 16, in which the tubular bag is a plastic film and the catheter is constructed so that it can be manipulated by the operator grasping the exterior of the bag in performing the irrigating function.