The products within the Qufora IrriSedo range offer patients’ flexibility to meet their individual needs. Some conditions, such as slow transit constipation, will respond best to high volume irrigation. However, in some circumstances, it might be beneficial for your patient to also have access to a low volume irrigation system such as Qufora IrriSedo MiniGo or Flex.
The reasons for using combination therapy are discussed below.
- Convenience for travelling
Qufora IrriSedo MiniGo / MiniGo Flex are compact and take up less space in travel luggage. The soft pump can be easily filled using the tap in the sink, or using bottled water if the tap water is not suitable for drinking. It can be discreetly stored in a washbag. Travel companions will be none the wiser.
Testimonial from Alison Robinson (Physio)
“I recently had a patient with both slow transit constipation and a rectocele. I would have used high volume irrigation, but the patient was going off on holiday for a month. The patient was keen to use Qufora MiniGo as felt it was more convenient for travelling with and using in a hotel. Low volume irrigation was very effective for her.”
- If circumstances change, it encourages maintenance of routine
Your patient will have worked hard to get into a good irrigation routine. If they find themselves in a situation where using high-volume irrigation is difficult, for example increased fatigue or a busy period at work, using low-volume irrigation is preferable to not irrigating. Thus, a semblance of bowel routine is maintained, making it easier to re-start high-volume irrigation when able.
- Useful for ‘quick’ symptom relief
Even with a high-volume irrigation in the morning, sometimes patients experience bowel symptoms later in the day. This can be difficult to manage if they are away from home for extended periods of time. Having access to low volume irrigation, such as Qufora IrriSedo MiniGo / MiniGo Flex enables them to irrigate ‘on the go, giving quick symptom relief.
- Combination therapy improves adherence to treatment
Combination therapy can enable patients to continue with their irrigation, even when their circumstances change, improving adherence with irrigation treatment. This approach has proven beneficial for paediatrics too.
Dr Jide Menakaya (Paediatric Consultant) uses high volume irrigation to improve rectal sensation and aid disimpaction, then realised that low volume can offer additional support. He introduced the option of either or both types of irrigation into his clinic on the suggestion of a child who wished to use low volume during the school week and high volume at the weekends when he had more time. Irrigation proved successful and adherence to treatment improved. Now the children in Dr Menakaya’s clinic are offered combination therapy. This has resulted in increased effectiveness of irrigation and better outcomes for both the child and their families. Read about Dr Menakaya’s quality improvement project here.
The Decision Guide recommends the type of irrigation based on the bowel condition. However, there will be instances when it is appropriate to use a combination of both low and high-volume irrigation. This can help patients adhere to their irrigation routine regardless of the challenges of daily life.
This concludes our series about high and low volume irrigation. If you wish to discuss anything from this part in the series, or indeed any of our features on low and high-volume irrigation, please feel free to contact our team at: info@macgregorhealthcare.com.
