The invention relates to a balloon catheter in which the balloon is mounted on the end of the catheter in a manner that creates a recess or pocket between the catheter wall and balloon wall. The recess or pocket opens toward the proximal end of the catheter. The rigid end of an introduces element or forger is received in the recess to attach it to the catheter. The distal end of the catheter, with the end of the introduces element in the recess, is inserted and positioned within the bowel by manipulating the introduces element or finger. After the catheter is properly positioned in the bowel, the introduces element or finger is withdrawn, detaching it from the catheter as the end of the introduces element slides out of the recess and then out of the bowel. The balloon is inflated prior to or after the withdrawal of the introduces element to anchor the end of the catheter in position within the bowel. Since the distal end of the catheter is made entirely of soft, compliant material, no soft tissue damage can occur from use of the device, even when the catheter remains in place within the body over an extended time period.
