An intra-operative colon irrigation system includes a drain tube (1) having a cylindrical body (10) with a forward end formed by a dome-shaped nozzle to prevent intussusception of the bowel into the drain tube. The forward end portion of the body is inserted into the bowel, and a rear end portion has a lug (26) with eyes (27) or securing 'cable straps' (29) which are applied around the body and the collapsed bowel segment downstream of the bowel opening. To assist in breaking up solid faecal masses the drain tube includes an ultra-sonic device (16) or other means.
