Abstract: A system for scheduling and controlling the maintenance and functioning of the large bowel in fecally incontinent patients is provided which comprises inducement of a multi-day period of constipation followed by administration of colon sweeping procedure which completely empties the contents of the entire colon. The scheduled complete emptying of the colon using the technique of the present invention will greatly reduce the time, effort and cost involved in the care and treatment of fecally incontinent patients, reduce the risk of infection, and maximize the safety, health, comfort and sanitation of the patient and his environment. An apparatus is also provided in the invention which is tailored to be used in the present system, and which will allow for a complete emptying of the entire colon in a safer, more comfortable, and more effective manner than previously possible.

Abstract: A system for scheduling and controlling the maintenance and functioning of the large bowel in fecally incontinent patients is provided which comprises inducement of a multi-day period of constipation followd by administration of colon sweeping procedure which completely empties the contents of the entire colon. The scheduled complete emptying of the colon using the technique of the present invention will greatly reduce the time, effort and cost involved in the care and treatment of fecally incontinent patients, reduce the risk of infection, and maximize the safety, health, comfort and sanitation of the patient and his environment. An apparatus is also provided in the invention which is tailored to be used in the present system, and which will allow for a complete emptying of the entire colon in a safer, more comfortable, and more effective manner than previously possible.

Abstract: According to the present system and technique, with the patient lying on his right side, a soap containing enema solution, preferably with a laxative therein, is introduced into the colon through the anal opening via a suitable tube held in the rectum by an inflated balloon (18), preferably from a bag (11) held above the patient, in a volume, usually sufficient to completely fill the colon all the way to the cecum, usually 1500 cc to 3000 cc in a normal adult. Inflation of the balloon can be accurately controlled by using a calibrated syringe (40), acting through a suitable valve containing conduit (21). The balloon and tube can be further secured in place with a limiting means (19) on the tube outside of the patient's anal opening and/or with specially made device (60) designed to squeeze the patient's buttocks together.

Abstract: According to the present system and technique, with the patient lying on his right side, a soap containing enema solution, preferably with a laxative therein, is introduced into the colon through the anal opening via a suitable tube held in the rectum by an inflated balloon (18), preferably from a bag (11) held above the patient, in a volume, usually sufficient to completely fill the colon all the way to the cecum, usually 1500 cc to 3000 cc in a normal adult. Inflation of the balloon can be accurately controlled by using a calibrated syringe (40), acting through a suitable valve containing conduit (21). The balloon and tube can be further secured in place with a limiting means (19) on the tube outside of the patient's anal opening and/or with specially made device (60) designed to squeeze the patient's buttocks together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for keeping a tube in place within a person's anal opening, such as for administering a cleansing liquid or the like. A band device is wrapped around the person's mid-section and strap ends which overlap each other in the vicinity of the person's buttocks are pulled tight and secured. The strap attachments are preferably Velcro. The central section of the band includes a quick release connection permitting removal of the band without disconnecting the straps. Prior to attaching the band, it may be preferable to wrap around the tube up against the anal opening a thick cord of an absorbent material.

Abstract: Improvements in a colon catheter for removing waste colon material, said catheter of the type having a hollow main tube insertable into the anal opening and held therein by an inflatable member located within the anal opening and limiting elements located outside of the anal opening and extending fore and aft from the main tube. The limiting elements may be formed as flat straps extending fore and aft from the main tube. The lower end of the catheter may be flared outwardly to form a widened exterior which forms the limiting elements and/or a widened lower interior. An irrigation tube or the like may be provided for directing enema fluid into the rectum above the inserted catheter. Obturator devices may be designed especailly for use with the catheter including structure thereon to limit insertion and/or to secure the obturator in place.