Rectal Wash-Outs

The purpose of rectal wash-outs is to remove stool and gas from the bowel using small amounts of normal saline until the bowel is clean.

Equipment Needed

• Toumy Syringes
• Red Robinson All-Purpose Catheters, Size: 16, 18, 22, 24
• Normal saline (room temperature)
• Surgilube or water soluble lubricant

Directions

1. Position the child on the left side if possible. An infant can be on his/her back with the legs in a frog position.
2. Coat the end of the catheter with a water-soluble lubricant.
3. Insert the catheter gently 2 to 4 inches into the rectum.
4. Fill the syringe with normal saline (as directed by a nurse).
5. Push the amount of saline into the rectum and aspirate or pull the plunger of the syringe back.
6. Disconnect the syringe from the catheter and discard the saline.
7. Repeat three more times until the total volume is used.

Please call the Pediatric Surgery office at (734) 764-4151 to speak to a nurse if you have any questions or concerns.

This information is provided by the University of Michigan Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. For additional health information, please contact your health care provider or our offices.