(401) Optimizing Ostomy Output: WOC Nursing Techniques in Stoma Irrigation, Intubation and Lavage

This 1-hour educational session is designed for Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) nurses with a practical focus on managing fecal ostomies through irrigation, medication administration, and ileostomy lavage/catheterization. The lecture will review core anatomy and physiology considerations, highlight appropriate indications and contraindications for each procedure, and discuss when they may be safely initiated following surgery. Special emphasis will be placed on colostomy irrigation for bowel regulation, assessment and management of stoma outlet obstruction (including catheter-based decompression), and safe medication administration through stomas. Evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making, and patient teaching strategies will be integrated throughout to support safe, effective, and patient-empowering ostomy care through all practice (inpatient, outpatient, home) settings.