A retrospective review of outcomes using a fecal management system in acute care patients

Intrarectal catheters (ie, large bore, soft, silicone catheters with a retention balloon intended to hold the catheter within the rectum and create a seal) may be used for the temporary management of diarrhea and fecal incontinence, to protect perineal skin and wounds, and to prevent cross infection. To evaluate reasons for insertion, duration, and outcomes of use, a retrospective study of patients who used a fecal management system (FMS) in an acute care, non-ICU setting was conducted at a tertiary-referral hospital between August 2005 and November 2012. Reasons for FMS implementation, patient demographics, history, length of FMS use, reason for removal or reinsertion, and results/complications data were abstracted from the medical records. Continuous variables were analyzed for mean, range, and standard deviation, and statistical significance was assessed using unpaired t-tests; categorical variables were expressed as counts and percentages, with significance assessed using chi-squared tests. The records of 50 patients (29 women, 21 men; average age 63 [range 21-90] years) who had a total of 69 study FMS inserted (mean 1.4 FMS) were available and included in the study. The majority (43) had their FMS inserted for <29 days (mean 17.4 days, range 1-74). Indications for use included diarrhea (31; 62%); burn injury (10; 20%); pressure ulcer (7; 14%); and necrotizing fasciitis (2; 4%). Most patients (37, 74%) experienced no complications; 7 (14%) had their retention balloon overinflated but suffered no injury to the rectal mucosa; 4 (8%) experienced temporary anal atony; and 2 (4%) suffered excessive leak of stool around the device. The complication rate for longer duration use (17+ days) was significantly higher than in the shorter duration (<17 days) group (44% and 15%, respectively, P = 0.024). The longer the FMS was in place, the more likely sphincter tone would be compromised. No serious adverse events - eg, fistula or mucosal necrosis - occurred, but overinflation of the balloon was noted in 7 patients. Overall, these results suggest intrarectal catheters such as the FMS are safe and effectively contained fecal material when used judiciously and checked regularly. Further prospective studies of the device in relation to its continuing safety, efficacy, and cost effectiveness, together with educational support requirements and policy/ procedure development, may lead to greater acceptance of its increased use in general hospital wards. Comparison studies involving other intrarectal catheters examining aspects such as safety, ease of insertion, and patient comfort also are warranted.