GB2258399A - A cleaning device for ileostomy bags - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a device for emptying and cleaning a collection bag for excreta comprising an inlet conduit (3), an outlet conduit (2) and sealing means (4) for connection with the opening of the bag (13) in a substantially gas-tight manner. The inlet and outlet conduits feed into a space defined within the sealing means to prevent the release of malodorous gases in use. <IMAGE>

Description

A CLEANING DEVICE The present invention relates to a device for draining and cleaning bags used to collect the excreta discharged from stoma. Such stoma are formed during ileostomy and other bowel surgery.

During an ileostomy the colon is removed and, as this organ is responsible for removing water from excreta, the matter which is discharged through the stoma is watery. Hence, frequent drainage of the collection bag is necessary.

Draining and cleaning an ileostomy bag for re-use is an awkward and unpleasant task. The user has to first manoeuvre the opening of the bag over a suitable receptacle such as a toilet. Since the opening of the bag is around waist height it is necessary to sit, squat or kneel beside the toilet to reduce the chances of accidental spillage during emptying. Most of the contents of the bag are discharged by squeezing the bag. However, it is not possible to completely empty the bag which is unpleasant and unhygienic.

A further problem with this method lies in the fact that a portion of the excreta which collects in the bag comprises intestinal gases. These escape upon releasing the clip, making the local atmosphere malodorous and causing acute embarrassment to the user.

Known attempts to overcome the problem of intestinal gas release involve the use of masking deodorants and drugs designed to reduce gas formation. Clearly, the long term use of drugs to downregulate the normal production of intestinal gases is undesirable from a medical and practical viewpoint and such deodorants are not in fact very effective at masking malodours.

Another alternative is to adopt a regime of strict diet control in an attempt to reduce gas production.

However, few people are prepared to change their eating habits in this way.

The present invention provides a cleaning device which comprises a few simple components and can be used to prevent the release of malodorous intestinal gases.

According to the invention there is provided a cleaning device for emptying and cleaning a collection bag for excreta; said device comprising an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and sealing means for connection with the opening of the bag in a substantially gas-tight manner; wherein the inlet and outlet conduits feed into a space defined within the sealing means.

Preferably the sealing means is a portion of the outlet conduit with the inlet conduit being housed substantially therein. Alternatively, the sealing means may be a tubular element separate from the inlet and outlet conduit.

Preferably the sealing means includes a circumferential groove into which an elastic band or cord can be located as described hereinafter.

Preferably, the inlet conduit is provided with connector means so that it can be connected to a water supply such as a conventional water tap.

Preferably the outlet conduit is provided as a number of interengageable sections which can be connected together to form a conduit of any desired length.

This allows the user to direct the matter discharged from the bag into a toilet. This obviates the need to bend over, squat, kneel or sit beside the toilet which is a problem with conventional methods of discharging an excreta bag. Advantageously, the end portion of the outlet conduit is angled so that it can be easily located under the U-trap of the toilet.

Preferably the diameter of the inlet conduit is substantially smaller than the outlet conduit. This arrangement ensures that in use, the water from the inlet conduit does not unduly inhibit the passage of the excreta along the outlet conduit with the result that the bag can be emptied speedily.

In use, the outlet conduit sections are connected together to form a conduit of sufficient length so that the angled end thereof can be located under the U-trap of a toilet. The inlet conduit is connected to a water supply such as a tap. The sealing member is then inserted into the opening of the bag and sealed therein in a gas-tight manner by any suitable means, for example with an elastic band. Preferably, said means is a noose formed by a ring fitted over a circular cord. By pulling the cord on the side of the ring away from the sealing member the noose can be tightened or loosened over the sealing member and into the groove thereof to seal or release the opening of the bag to or from the sealing member as described above.

The clip which seals the bag can then be released to discharge the bag contents. The tap can be turned on to supply water to the inlet conduit and into the bag where it circulates to accelerate drainage and effect cleaning. The inventor has found that the flow of water into the bag and out of the outlet conduit produces a strong vacuum effect which acts to suck out all the bag contents. This ensures that no matter remains in the bag. The clip which seals the bag is then fastened and the bag is ready for re-use.

Placing the angled end of the outlet conduit under the U-trap of the toilet, ensures that any intestinal gases which are present in the bag will not be released into the local atmosphere during emptying.

The above method using the device of the invention can be carried out in a couple of minutes and constitutes a considerable improvement over conventional methods which are awkward and unpleasant for the user.

Advantageously suitable means are provided to introduce a quantity of disinfectant into the inlet conduit during the latter stages of the procedure; this improves hygiene.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective side view of a cleaning device of the invention; Fig. 2 is a section on the line X-Xe of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the cleaning device of Fig. 1 from above; Fig. 4 is a plan view of a conventional ileostomy bag; Fig. 5 shows the opening of the ileostomy bag of Fig. 4 fitted over the cleaning device of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic representation with arrows showing the direction of flow of water through the inlet and outlet pipes and the bag.

A preferred cleaning device 1 of the invention comprises a plastic outlet pipe 2, a plastic inlet pipe 3 and a tubular sealing member 4. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 end portions 5, 6 of the inlet and outlet pipes are housed within the sealing member.

The other end of the inlet pipe 3 includes a connector (not shown) so that it can be connected to a water tap. The outlet pipe is provided as a number of interengageable sections including an angled end (not shown) which can be connected to form a pipe of desired length.

The end portion 6 of the outlet pipe 2 is formed with a depression 8 and this serves to provide a groove into which the end portion 5 of the inlet pipe can be inserted and fastened in place using a waterproof adhesive, as shown in Fig. 3. The sealing member 4 is located over the end portions 5, 6 of the outlet and inlet pipes and fixed thereto using a waterproof adhesive.

Ends on the sealing member include raised shoulders 14, 15 between which an elastic band 10 is then located.

The preferred cleaning device 1 of the invention is used in conjunction with a conventional ileostomy bag 11. As shown in Fig. 4 such bags include a ringshaped connector 12 for connection to a stoma dressing (not shown) and an opening 13 through which the bag contents can be drained as required. The escape of matter collected in the bag is normally prevented by sealing the portion adjacent the opening with a clip (not shown).

In use, the outlet pipe sections are connected together to form a pipe of suitable length so that it's angled end is located in a toilet under the Utrap. The opening 13 of the ileostomy bag 11 is fitted over the sealing member 4 and the elastic band 10 is fitted over it to form a gas-tight seal as shown in Fig. 5. The inlet pipe 3 is connected to the water tap of an adjacent bath or wash-hand basin.

As shown in Fig. 2, the inlet pipe 3 is positioned at the uppermost part of the outlet pipe 2 and has a substantially smaller diameter than that of the outlet pipe so that in use the flow of water from the inlet pipe does not impede the passage of matter through the outlet pipe.

The clip which seals the ileostomy bag is then removed and the water tap turned on to effect drainage and cleaning of the bag as shown in Fig. 6. Once the bag is sufficiently cleaned and all the matter has been sucked out of the bag, the water tap is turned off.

The clip is then fastened to seal the bag for re-use.

The whole procedure is rapid and simple and placing the end of the outlet pipe under the U-trap in the toilet, prevents escape of malodorous intestinal gases.

Claims (8)

1. A device for emptying and cleaning a collection bag for excreta comprising an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and sealing means for connection with an opening of the bag in a substantially gas-tight manner; wherein the inlet and outlet conduits feed into a space defined within the sealing means.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing means is a portion of the outlet conduit having the inlet conduit housed substantially therein.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the diameter of the inlet conduit is substantially smaller than the outlet conduit.

4. A device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the inlet conduit is provided with connector means for connection to a water supply.

5. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outlet conduit is provided as a number of interengageable sections which can be connected together to form a conduit of a desired length.

6. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an end portion of the outlet conduit is angled

7. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sealing means includes a groove into which a fastener can be located.

8. A device substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.