Inspired by a certain scene in a recent TV premiere (& also a certain British horror film). Would a coma patient, who’s been fed through an IV for at least a couple of weeks still poop or have any kind of “discharge”? It’s not like they’re getting alot of fiber. I know they’d still be urinating & be cathederized. Would they also be wearing some kind of diaper? A colostomy bag?
I had a rectal catheter.
A portion of the feces is cells from the lining of the intestines and bacteria.
Also, long term feeding is a baby formula/meal replacement type of liquid delivered through a gastric tube.
Yes, coma patients have bowel movements. Feeding can either be the baby formula style runner pat mentions (if the gastrointestional system is working) or TPN (total parental nutrition) delivered via IV. TPN contains nutrients and lipids, usually.
Taking care of the bowel movements can be anything from a rectal catheter, a diaper, or nothing (if the patient has a problem with the skin on his bottom.)
Everybody poops.
Unless you’re Catholic, so sayth Griffin. 
I have never heard a “rectal catheter” before… I thought they’d just use diapers. Oh, well, ignorance fought again!
What happens if they use nothing? Like, do they have to clean the bed up every day? Or are rubber sheets enough or something?
If the patient is left bare because of skin problems, yes, the bed is changed whenever it is soiled. Sometimes this means several times a day, but it helps to prevent further skin breakdown.
From a medical school lecture:
25% of feces is e. coli.
25% of science is based on e. coli.
I’m having trouble envisioning a “rectal catheter,” and I’m not about to google it at work. Can someone explain how this works? I thought catheters were good for removing liquids (like urine), but solids (like feces) not so much.
PDF Directions for use of one fecal catheter
This should be safe for work as it is a straightforward instruction manual put out by the manufacturer. Everything you ever wanted to know and more!
I’m assuming that the feces when tube feeding are less formed and much softer than usual. I do know a tube feeds into a bag just like a urinary catheter.
Aren’t you glad you asked?