Fecal Incontinence in the ICU Oncology Patient

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Do you have the tools you need to treat your cancer patient experiencing fecal incontinence in the ICU? Whether in a dedicated Oncology ICU or a general ICU, this patient population, and the Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) that care for them have distinct challenges related to managing their incontinence. A fecal management system like Flexi-Seal™ PROTECT PLUS is one such tool that may help.

Oncology patients in the ICU

You may encounter a patient actively combating cancer in the ICU as the number of cancer patients has been steadily rising due to an aging population and advancements in cancer detection methods. Aggressive chemotherapy treatments and specific therapeutic medications have increased cancer remission rates. Nonetheless, these therapies can also cause drug-related organ dysfunction and make patients more prone to infections. Consequently, doctors are encountering more cancer patients in the ICU with organ issues stemming from infections, tumors, or toxic reactions.1

Unique challenges in treating oncology patients in the ICU

Diarrhea is commonly seen in the oncology population. It is prominent in association with chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.3 This poses a potential risk to the HCPs treating the patient. Patients are often treated with Hazardous Drugs (HD) – HDs are identified by at least one of the following six criteria: carcinogenic, teratogenic, genotoxic, reproductive toxicity or organ toxicity. Healthcare workers may be exposed to HDs through the course of their daily job activities including administration and care of treated patients.2

For ICUs treating a patient that has fecal incontinence and has been given a hazardous drug, staff should be well trained on handling of these HDs to prevent harm to patients, minimize exposure to personnel and minimize contamination of patientcare and work environments.4

The Oncology Nursing Society has created a toolkit for Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs for Nurses in Oncology. It delineates the use of Personal Protective Equipment to reduce exposure to HDs. Most drugs are eliminated in body fluids within 48 hours after administration. Some drugs continue to be present in urine and stool for up to 7 days. Therefore, it is crucial for all personnel who handle excreta, including stool, from patients who have been administered hazardous drugs within the last 48 hours to observe necessary precautions to minimize the risk of exposure.4

Flexi-Seal™ as a tool while treating oncology patients

The fecal management system used on an oncology patient in the ICU can play a role in safe containment of the excreta. The Flexi-Seal™ PROTECT PLUS fecal management system does more than just contain the diarrhea. It was designed with features that are particularly helpful when attempting to minimize exposure to the stool contained within the device.

Notable features:

  • Self-closing catheter to decrease the risk of spillage during bag changes.
  • Secure locking mechanism for bag-catheter connection to decrease the risk of the bag becoming disconnected and spilling.
  • Activated charcoal in the Diamond Sachets to help diminish odor.
  • Gelling agent in the Diamond Sachets to decrease with risk of spilling stool potentially contaminated with HDs.

Let Flexi-Seal™ PROTECT PLUS be the fecal management system you trust when stool containment is crucial to both patient and hospital personnel.

    References
    1. Azoulay, E., Soares, M., Darmon, M. et al. Intensive care of the cancer patient: recent achievements and remaining challenges. 2011. Ann. Intensive Care 1, 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/2110-5820-1-5.
    2. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. ASHP guidelines on handling hazardous drugs. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 2018; 75:1996- 2031.
    3. Diarrhoea in adult cancer patients: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines. 2018. Annals of Oncology 29, Supplement 4. https://doi.org/10.1093/annonc/mdy145
    4. Oncology Nurses Society. 2018. Toolkit for Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs for Nurses in Oncology. Retrieved July 05, 2024, from https://www.ons.org/sites/default/files/2018-06/ONS_Safe_Handling_Toolkit_0.pdf
      5. AP-70412-GBL-ENGU