Rectal Tubes

Has anyone ever heard of placing a rectal tube to wall suction and/or do you have a policy at your facility for this?
i've only seen one rectal tube and no it was not placed to wall suction.

I've never seen it, I'm actually not sure how you would even accomplish it. We have Flexiseals now which are way too big and flexible and there really isn't any way to get it to hook up to suction tubing. I guess with the old-style rectal tubes you probably could, but why would you want to?I don't think I would do this even if asked. I could see how it could be potentially dangerous (bowel trauma/potential perforation risk, especially if suction was turned up too high).

I can't imagine the concept....too much risk for bowel injury.

let's just suck that (protective) intestinal mucosa right out of you, shall we?seriously, i don't think so.it doesn't sound 'prudent'.leslie

actually, i was just reading about "rectal suction biopsy"...which is a diagnostic test to collect rectal tissue.i was also reading a few cases where they used it in acute emergencies (obstxn) and pts were closely monitored.so when it is used, it is either a diagnostic or an emergent intervention in the icu.for the rectal bx, the tool is its own suction device...so no wall suction.don't know what they use in icu.leslie

I simply must know why you posted this question, Judy!

I have seen this twice at my facility...and both times not only did the patients have rectal tubes to LWS but they both had ng tubes (no suction...I think). Neither of these patients were mine but I remember the other nurse doing a double take during report. Nothing like decompressing from both ends!!

Would this be like a chest tube to suction (ie sitting on the floor) or would it be like NG secretions? I would never want to see my patient's poo suspended from the wall behind the head of the bed.

Quote from leslie :-Dactually, i was just reading about "rectal suction biopsy"...which is a diagnostic test to collect rectal tissue.i was also reading a few cases where they used it in acute emergencies (obstxn) and pts were closely monitored.so when it is used, it is either a diagnostic or an emergent intervention in the icu.for the rectal bx, the tool is its own suction device...so no wall suction.don't know what they use in icu.leslie

Ordered by MD can't find any literature except one research article for tx bowel obstruction

I've never seen a rectal tube to suction at my facillity but it is common (expected) to put a fecal incont. bag (external device like a stoma bag) to LIWS. it keeps the collection bag gently deflated so there is less chance of a "blow-out" and if helps wick the stool away from the patients skin. As far as a rectal tube- our device has no port/outlet that is sized for connection to a suction unit.

I actually had an order yesterday, rectal tube with LIS! I used the Flexi-Seal and set up suction to the irrigation port. The MD wanted to decompress all of the abdominal gas. I was quite nervous, as I didn't want to damage the mucosal lining, nor did I really have a way to know if the abdominal gas was being suctioned per say. I did ask the physician if there was a less invasive method, ex. Gas-X/simethcone & he insisted on a rectal tube with LIS. I will be curious to see if this system indeed make a difference!