Patent ID: 8016816

Claim:
A waste management appliance for the rectum or stoma comprising an elongated tubular element having a substantially unobstructed distal end portion with an exterior surface, and a proximal end; an inflatable substantially toroidal shaped balloon comprising an opening defined by an interior wall, substantially the entire surface of said interior wall of said balloon opening being fixed to and surrounding said exterior surface of said distal end portion of said tubular element; an inflation lumen having a distal end portion substantially co-extensive with said distal end portion of said tubular element such that said balloon surrounds both said distal end portion of said inflation lumen and said distal end portion of said tubular element, said inflation lumen being connected to the interior of said balloon through a passage in said balloon wall portion and a second externally accessible end portion so as to permit inflation of said balloon; an irrigation lumen comprising a portion formed as an integral part of said distal end portion of said element, said irrigation lumen comprising a first end situated proximate the edge of said distal end portion of said element and a second externally accessible end portion so as to permit the introduction of an irrigation fluid; said balloon wall portion being substantially uninterrupted except for said passage; a waste collection receptacle; and means for detachably mounting said receptacle to said proximal end of said element, wherein said distal end portion of said element and said balloon are formed of entirely soft, compliant material.