1. Gather your equipment:

Equipment needed for giving irrigations through the temporary C-tube:

• Measuring cup and teaspoon
• Salt
• Gravity bag sets (2)
• Timer/clock
• Phosphate enema solution
• Warm tap water

2. Wash hands with soap and water, dry thoroughly.

3. Add prescribed amount of phosphate solution to first
gravity bag.

NOTE: Remember to close clamp before filling.

4. Mix salt and warm tap water in a solution of 1 tsp. of salt in
500 ml (2 cups) water.

5. Add solution of salt water to second gravity bag.

6. Hang bags to shower curtain rod or wall hook.

Figure 13

NOTE: The gravity bag normally comes with an adapter that fits
the temporary C-tube. Additional adapters are available from
your nurse.

7. While seated on toilet, remove cap from temporary
tube and connect to tubing of bag one containing phosphate
enema solution. (Figure 13)

8. Open the clamp and allow the phosphate solution to run in.
If cramping occurs, decrease the rate of flow by adjusting
the clamp.

9. Once the entire phosphate solution bag is empty, close the
clamp and change to the second bag containing the salt water
solution. Wait 15 minutes before using the salt water bag.

10. After 15 minutes, open the clamp and allow the salt water
solution to run through quickly. This usually takes about
5 minutes.

11. Once the bag containing the salt water is empty, close the
drainage bag from the C-tube and reconnect the cap.

Figure 14

12. Now, wait for the irrigation results to occur (30-40 minutes).
Massaging the abdomen firmly from right to left, may help
empty the bowel faster. (Figure 14)

13. Rinse the gravity bags well with warm water and wash with
soap and water. Allow to air dry before storing.

This entire process should take 30-60 minutes the first few times you
do it. However, as you become more comfortable and familiar with
the procedure, you may be able to do it faster.

Important: Do not discard the C-tube adapter, gravity bag or cap after use.
You will use them over and over again. Also, do not use any solvent,
such as alcohol or acetone to clean the tube.