30 January 2019

Peristeen (Coloplast) is a transanal irrigation system for managing bowel dysfunction.

The company's instructions for use in this indication recommend that it should be used every other day to empty the rectum and distal sigmoid colon, in order to prevent uncontrolled bowel movements (faecal incontinence) or to relieve and prevent constipation. Peristeen is usually self-administered while sitting on a toilet, commode or shower chair. It comprises a rectal catheter with inflatable balloon, a manual control unit with pump, leg straps and a bag to hold water. Peristeen uses a constant-flow pump which does not rely on gravity so that the user does not need to hang the bag up for the water to flow. Peristeen needs a new catheter each time it is used. Insights from the NHS: Adoption support for the Peristeen transanal irrigation system for managing bowel dysfunction To support use of this technology, NICE has now published a new adoption resource. It includes real-life examples of how NHS sites have used Peristeen and has been created with the help of NHS clinicians, who reported a number of benefits, such as:

• Offering an additional treatment option for people with bowel dysfunction when conservative treatment has failed or is not suitable or when surgery is unlikely to improve symptoms.
• Providing a less invasive option and reducing the need for surgery.
• Improving people’s quality of life, dignity and independence.
• Reducing pain relief (including opioids) people take to help relieve symptoms and may reduce the need for bowel medicines (such as laxatives).
• Facilitating transfer of people’s care from surgeons’ caseloads to a service led by a specialist clinician.
• Reducing healthcare utilisation (scheduled and unscheduled) including hospitalisations.

To find out more about Peristeen please access the NICE guidance and adoption resource. Nice Guidance Adoption Resource

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