Device for stoma hygiene

Abstract: People who have undergone intestinal surgery and have a protruding stoma that must be cleansed must generally manage this with the aid of soap, water and compresses. This is an elaborate procedure. The present invention aims at facilitating the cleansing procedure by placing a cover (1) comprising a shower (7) and an outlet (3), over the stoma.

Description: DEVICE FOR STOMA HYGIENE The present invention relates to a device for cleansing the end of an intestine protruding from a human body, which is normally covered by a plastic pouch. The protruding part of the intestine must be regularly cleansed and this entails problems since the intestine itself is of organic material and has uneven surfaces. Hitherto soap, water and a compress have been used, but this is an elaborate procedure and requires much time. The object of the present invention is to facilitate cleansing of the end of an intestine protruding from a human body. This is achieved by placing a cover over the part of the body where the intestine protrudes, the edge of the cover being such that it is always in close contact with the part of the body where the intestine protrudes. A joint is provided at the upper end of the cover, said joint being in the nature of a ball and being movable. The joint has a through-channel. The outlet end of the channel is located in the cover itself and is provided with a strainer, allowing liquid to flow through the channel and to be thoroughly spread inside the cover. The channel in the joint is connected to a unit for supplying the joint with liquid from a liquid source such as a conventional water tap, for instance, where hot and cold water can be mixed to a suitable temperature. Said part may be rigid and then functions as a guide means for the joint so that the entire surface covered by the cover can be rinsed. The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a cover according to the present invention by way of example, and Figure 2 shows its connection to a conventional water tap. The drawings show a cover 1 having a peripheral edge 2 that may be elastic so that when the cover is placed over a stoma, its peripheral edge will fit tightly against the surface of the body. The cover 1 may suitably consist of transparent material so that cleansing can be supervised. The cover 1 is provided at the bottom with an outlet 3 that may be connected to a hose leading to a toilet bowl or other drain. At the top the cover is provided with a ball 5 that is movably journalled. The ball has a through- channel 6, and a strainer 7 is provided at the inner end to spread the liquid passing through the channel. A tube 8 is connected to the inlet opening of the channel, said tube being in turn connected to a hose 9. A stopcock 10 is provided at the other end of the hose 9 and can easily be attached to an ordinary water tap 11 in a water supply system. The tube 8 acts as guide means for the ball, allowing liquid to be sprayed over the entire surface covered by the cover. When the stopcock 10 has been attached to an ordinary water tap 11 in a water supply system and the tap turned on, liquid runs straight through the stopcock 10 so that the temperature of the liquid can be adjusted. The stopcock 10 is then turned so that the liquid flows to the shower in the cover 1. The stopcock 10 is adjustable for a certain maximum flow pressure and can be regulated steplessly from a small pressure to the maximum flow pressure. A shut- off device (not shown in the drawings) is provided on the tube 8 in the form of a non-return valve that can be operated manually.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A device for stoma hygiene, characterized in that it comprises a cover (1) designed to be placed on the part of the body where the stoma is located, the edge (2) of the cover (1) being in close contact with the body, and in that a movable joint is provided on the opposite side of the cover, said joint comprising a ball (5) with a through- channel (6) for injection of liquid. 2. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the cover (1) is provided with an outlet (3) that may be provided with a hose leading to a toilet, for instance. 3. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in th at the cover (1) is provided with an inlet for liquid which, via a hose (9) flows through a tube (8) and on through the hole (6) in the ball (5) and a strainer (7) in the cover (1). 4. A device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in t h a t the tube (8) can also be used as a handle and to direct the jet of liquid so that the stoma and the area around the stoma are rinsed clean. 5. A device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the tube (8) is provided with a shut-off device that can be operated with one hand. 6. A device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the hose (9) is provided at its other end with a stopcock (10) that regulates the direction of the liquid to flow either through the hose (9) or out into a drain. 7. A device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the stopcock (10) is designed to fit most normal types of tap assemblies on the market. 8. A device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the stopcock (10) can be regulated from a small pressure to an adjustable maximum flow pressure.

Inventors: SAMUELSSON KARL-ERIK, SAMUELSSON, KARL-ERIK
Applicants: SAMUELSSON KARL ERIK, SAMUELSSON, KARL-ERIK
Application year: 1997
Main classification: A61F5
IPC codes: A61F5, A61H35