Rectal Tube

A rectal tube is a medical device that your healthcare provider inserts into your rectum. They insert these tubes to treat health conditions that involve your intestines (bowels).

A rectal tube can help release gas, poop or fluids when your body can’t do it on its own. Providers also use them after some bowel surgeries. Rectal tubes can help protect the surgical site and reduce your risk of complications.

Rectal tubes are soft, flexible and usually made of rubber or silicone. They’re meant for short-term use in hospitals or intensive healthcare settings. You wouldn’t use them at home. You may also hear a rectal tube called a rectal catheter.

What is a rectal tube used for?

Healthcare providers use rectal tubes to:

• Release trapped gas
• Relieve severe bloating
• Drain liquid poop (diarrhea)
• Treat severe diarrhea and constipation
• Manage fecal incontinence (when you can’t control your bowel movements)
• Reduce pressure in your bowels after surgery (decompression)
• Help protect your skin and keep you clean and comfortable
• Help prevent leaks at surgical connection sites in your bowels
• Deliver medications and fluids

How does a rectal tube work?

A rectal tube works by creating a pathway for gas or poop to leave your body. It can also lower pressure on surgical sites, which can reduce the chance of leaks.

Once your healthcare provider puts the tube in place:

• Gas can escape through it instead of building up in your bowels
• Liquid poop can drain out gently
• Pressure inside your colon (large intestine) will decrease, which can ease pain and swelling

Rectal tubes can help prevent complications like severe bloating or slowed bowel movement after some surgeries.

What are the different types of rectal tubes?

There are several types of rectal tubes. Healthcare providers use each one for a different reason. It depends on your symptoms and condition.

Standard rectal tubes

Healthcare providers use standard rectal tubes to help release gas or liquid poop. You usually use one for a short time (not days or weeks). The tubes are short, and they can help relieve bloating, pressure or constipation. Standard rectal tubes:

• Are soft, flexible and often made of rubber or silicone
• Have a smooth, rounded tip to make insertion easier
• Are available in different sizes

Decompression rectal tubes

Decompression rectal tubes are longer. Providers use them to relieve severe pressure when your colon becomes very swollen. Decompression tubes:

• Help remove trapped gas and fluid from deep within your colon
• May be connected to a drainage bag
• Are used in the hospital after surgery or if you have a serious bowel condition

Fecal management systems (FMS)

Fecal management systems are designed to collect liquid poop if you can’t control your bowel movements. This often occurs in intensive care settings. Fecal management systems:

• Contain a rectal tube with a balloon that secures the tube in place
• Connect to a collection bag to divert your poop, protect your skin and keep the area clean
• Aren’t meant to treat constipation or bowel blockage

Macy catheter

A Macy catheter is different from other kinds of rectal tubes. Providers use this type to give medications or fluids, not to drain poop. This type:

• Is a specialized, FDA-approved rectal tube
• Has a retention balloon to keep the tube in place
• Allows repeated delivery of medications or fluids via an external access port on your thigh or abdomen

How do you insert a rectal tube?

Only a trained healthcare provider should perform a rectal tube placement. The process is usually quick. You may feel pressure, but it shouldn’t be painful. Your provider will:

1. Position you on your side
2. Use a clean, properly sized rectal tube
3. Apply lubricant to the tube for an easier, more comfortable insertion
4. Carefully insert the tube to avoid injury
5. Secure it so it stays in place

How long can a rectal tube stay in?

It depends on the type of tube and why it’s being used.

Standard rectal tubes are usually used for a short time. You may have one for a few hours or up to three days. They aren’t meant for long-term use because they can irritate your rectum.

In some hospital settings, decompression tubes and other specialized devices may stay in longer, if needed. But this will only occur with close monitoring for skin injury, pressure or infection.

What are the risks of using a rectal tube?

Rectal tubes are generally safe to use. Risks are uncommon but can include:

• Pain or discomfort while the tube is in place
• Leakage around the tube
• Pressure injury if left in too long
• Bleeding or minor infections (rare)

Because of these risks, healthcare providers use rectal tubes only when necessary and monitor you closely.

How do you remove a rectal tube?

Your healthcare provider will remove the rectal tube when you don’t need it anymore. The process is quick and easy. Removal usually involves:

• Gently loosening any securing device
• Slowly sliding the tube out
• Checking the site for bleeding or irritation
• Cleaning the area afterward

Most people feel relief, not pain, when their provider removes the tube.