Regularly irrigating the bowel empties the colon and rectum so efficiently that it stays empty until the next irrigation. This not only prevents fecal incontinence, but it also gives control over time and place of defecation. Insertion of water also creates a mass movement from the ascending colon, which prevents constipation. Other significant advantages with TAI are reduction of time and energy spent on full bowel evacuation, and the fact that it can promote independence from caretakers.
No more bowel accidents
When the training period is over and your bowel has adapted to TAI, the aim will often be to irrigate every other day. You should by then have achieved a bowel routine, helping you to avoid both constipation and incontinence. The aim of TAI is to restore a regular and well functioning bowel, allowing you to lead a normal life.
How TAI works: step-by-step
TAI is a method of effectively emptying the bowel by instilling water into the colon, via a rectal catheter. This will stimulate the body’s peristaltic movement for full bowel evacuation.
Here is how it works:
Insertion
Insert the rectal catheter to the catheter handle.
Inflate balloon
The balloon seals the rectum, ensures that the catheter stays in place, and provides a good seal throughout treatment.
Irrigate/ instill water
Open water flow and instill water into the bowels, using the pump. This will help loosen up stool and encourage peristaltic movement. Close water flow and wait.
Evacuation
Deflate the balloon and remove the catheter. Allow bowels to empty. The evacuation time is individual and can vary from one day to another.
