Colostomy irrigation gives people who have a colostomy more control over eliminating waste. This method lets you eliminate waste at a planned time. Irrigation is usually done at the same time every day or every other day.

An irrigation cone and catheter are connected to the stoma. (The stoma is the exposed end of the intestine.) Fluid is flushed through the intestine to clear it of waste. People who use irrigation may need only a cover or pad over the stoma. They may not need a colostomy bag.