Colostomy irrigation gives people who have a colostomy in the lower part of the colon (the descending colon or the sigmoid colon) more control over eliminating waste. People with a colostomy in the lower part of the colon usually have more formed stool, so this method lets you move waste out of the body 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 put in to cause the colon to contract and empty. People who use irrigation may use a small pouch or cap over the stoma. They may not need a colostomy bag.