Q. Who can perform anal irrigation?
A. Anal irrigation is for people who suffer from faecal incontinence, chronic constipation, or for people who have to spend a long time on bowel management procedures. You must be examined by a health care professional and receive professional instruction before starting the irrigation procedure to eliminate serious diseases or malign conditions. After receiving instruction and training, the majority will be able to perform anal irrigation on their own.

Q. How often should I irrigate?
A. Anal irrigation is normally carried out every day or every other day, or as recommended by your doctor or nurse.

Q. How long does the irrigation take?
A. The time used for irrigation is individual. When using anal irrigation you use approx. 30-45 minutes a day on your bowel routine.

Q. How much water should I use?
A. The required amount of water is individual and your doctor or nurse will tell you how much water to use. An average procedure normally calls for a volume of 500-1000 ml of water, however, some people use less water and some people use more. You should not increase the amount of water uncritically since the bowel may retain it and release it over time in small amounts.

Q. Why is the temperature of the water important?
A. The water must have body temperature (approx. 36-38°C). If it is too hot, it may harm the delicate lining inside the rectum; if it is too cold, it may cause cramps.

Q. How do I store my Peristeen Anal Irrigation system?
A. Peristeen Anal Irrigation is delivered in a practical toilet bag, which makes it easy to store at home. After using the system you empty the water bag and the tubes for water and pack it in the toilet bag.

The system and the catheters should be stored at room temperature (max. 25º Celsius) and away from direct sunlight. Ensure that the tubing is not kinked when stored.

Q. How do I clean my Peristeen Anal Irrigation system?
A. The system can be cleaned by pumping the water out of the tube. The surface of all the components (except the single use catheter) can be washed with mild soapy water. The tube with the blue connectors can be changed if needed.

Q. What do I do when travelling?
A. You can bring Peristeen Anal Irrigation when going abroad since it is small, light weight and packed in the practical toilet bag. When travelling in countries where it is not safe to drink the water, you should use still mineral water or cooled boiled water for the irrigation, since the bowels absorb water.

Q. What about flatulence (wind)?
A. Anal irrigation empties the bowel of faeces and air. Experience shows that the release of wind from the rectum will be considerably reduced once irrigation is practised regularly.

Q. How long does it take to adapt to the procedure?
A. An adaptation period of approx. 10 days may be expected. The procedure must be individually adjusted together with your health care professional e.g. regarding the amount of water and air, and the frequency of irrigating.