Managing bowel leakage

Managing Bowel leakage: Anal Plugs and Inserts

There are anal plugs and inserts which can be used to manage the symptoms of faecal incontinence.

They are a simple, safe and discrete aid for minor faecal incontinence. They can contain minor leakage of mucus or stool. They cannot be used for someone who has frequent bowel movements.

There are several different types which will be discussed with the patient prior to trying them.

The patient can try different types to ensure they are able to use a product they are comfortable with. They come in different sizes and forms which are produced by different manufacturers.

They conform to the shape of the anal canal which provides a comfortable seal. They are single use only and of available on prescription.

The inserts or anal plugs can cause discomfort in some patients, in others they may have a constant feeling of needing to have her bowels open. They need to be removed prior to having a bowel movement.

Functional Bowel Nurse Led Team

Contact: 01223 348718

Medication

Bring all of your medicines (including inhalers, injections, creams, eye drops or patches) and a current repeat prescription from your GP

Please tell the ward staff about all of the medicines you use. During your stay If you wish to take your medication yourself (self-medicate) please speak with your nurse. Pharmacists visit the wards regularly and can help with any medicine queries.

MyChart

We would encourage you to sign up for MyChart. This is the electronic patient portal at Cambridge University Hospitals that enables patients to securely access parts of their health record held within the hospital’s electronic patient record system (Epic). It is available via your home computer or mobile device

More information is available on our website.

Contacts / Further information

01223 348718

Privacy & dignity

Same sex bays and bathrooms are offered in all wards except critical care and theatre recovery areas where the use of high-tech equipment and/or specialist one to one care is required.