What is an enema and why is it needed?

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People of all genders, ages and social classes are susceptible to problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract; constipation is one of the most common in the modern world. The absence of a bowel movement for three days is a problem that can be solved without great expense and effort with the help of an enema. What it is, how it affects the body and in what sequence it is performed will be discussed below.

A cleansing enema is a procedure performed to rid the intestines of feces, stones and other waste remaining after food processing. It is performed by introducing liquid into the rectum (the most common is pure boiled water, but salt and soda solutions, herbal infusions, and various chemical compositions can be used) using special accessories (a bulb with a plastic tip, a heating pad or an intestinal tube with a funnel).

Operating principle

The mechanism of a cleansing enema is based on the combination of effects produced by a sufficient volume of liquid entering the intestine. Below they will be discussed in more detail:

• Chemical. Occurs when using salt, soda, various oils and herbal decoctions, fruit and vegetable juices and other substances that stimulate bowel movements after introducing appropriate solutions into it
• Mechanical. During the procedure, the volume of intestinal contents increases many times over, which helps soften stool and promptly eliminate it
• Thermal. Typically, the temperature of the water for a cleansing enema is made slightly higher than normal body temperature (the recommended value is about 38 degrees Celsius), this irritates the intestinal walls and increases its contractility, provoking the release of fluid with feces
• Osmotic. Consists of additionally attracting fluid from the body into the intestines and its subsequent elimination through the anus

To administer an enema, use a rubber heating pad with a hose or a special large-volume latex bulb (500-1000 ml) with a tip.

Composition of medicinal solutions for enemas

Many different solutions can be used for enema. They are mainly used to cleanse the intestines and stimulate its motility. The composition of enema solutions can be simple - water, or it can consist of various components. The most common of them are presented in the table below.

The solution is selected by a specialist based on the patient’s current condition, the degree of filling of the intestines with feces and age.

Indications for use

The range of situations in which a cleansing enema may be required is quite wide. Here are the most common:

• Prolonged absence of defecation. The procedure is effective for spastic, atonic and any other constipation (with the exception of intestinal obstruction). With its help you can quickly and painlessly get rid of fecal debris.
• Preparation for examination or surgery. Staging is carried out before X-ray, endoscopic (including capsule) or laparoscopic diagnostic procedures, surgical operations on the digestive/genitourinary systems, pelvic organs
• Intoxication and poisoning. An enema can quickly and effectively rid the body of alcohol, drugs and food toxins.
• Preparing for childbirth. It is known that after the onset of contractions, not all women can control the functioning of the anal sphincter, which can cause involuntary bowel movements during childbirth.
• Before administering a medicinal or nutritional enema. When performing them, the active ingredients must be administered into a clean intestine, this is how maximum effect is achieved.

A cleansing procedure using an enema is an excellent alternative to laxatives of synthetic and natural origin; it does not require financial costs and does not take much time, but it has a number of contraindications that are an obstacle to its implementation. Anyone who wants to perform it outside the hospital should carefully read them.

Patient reviews about the siphon enema service

1. Anna: I suffered from constipation for a long time. Neither pills, nor drops, nor folk remedies helped. The doctor prescribed a siphon enema. At first I was afraid and didn’t want to, but after the first time I felt much better: my stomach didn’t hurt, it became softer. 3 procedures were enough for me, after which my intestines started working again. I didn't feel any more discomfort.
2. Mikhail: We were on holiday with friends. In the morning I felt bad, I didn’t pay attention at first, but in the evening it got worse and my temperature rose. I had to call a doctor. I was admitted to the clinic with a diagnosis of severe intoxication. Doctors prescribed a siphon enema. I didn’t want to undergo the procedure for a long time, but my condition forced me to. Everything went easily and quickly enough. After the first time I felt extraordinary relief. After the 4th procedure, I was discharged, and I felt excellent.
3. Maria: She was being kept in the clinic. She was due to give birth any day now. But I wasn’t feeling well, and I was also overcome by constipation. The doctor prescribed a siphon enema and went for the procedure. After the first enema, my body became significantly lighter and I felt relief. Before giving birth, they did another one - she gave birth quickly and easily.

If you feel discomfort in the intestines or have severe constipation, do not self-medicate. There is no need to take laxatives or try to do an enema yourself. You can not only aggravate the situation with poor knowledge, but also cause damage that will later result in irreversible consequences or death. Forget about being embarrassed in front of the doctor. An enema is a natural procedure and there is nothing to be ashamed of. The sooner treatment begins, the fewer difficulties and complications there will be.

Contraindications for use

Medicine does not classify a cleansing enema as a dangerous event, but performing it can, under certain conditions, cause harm. Contraindications to the procedure are:

• Bleeding from the anus. Its causes may be ailments of other organs of the gastrointestinal tract (besides the intestines)
• Inflammatory processes in the colon. Water (especially with salt or lemon juice) greatly irritates the mucous membranes, which can aggravate inflammation
• Ulcers, perforations or erosions on the intestinal wall. Their mechanical, thermal or chemical irritation during the enema can provoke bleeding or more severe consequences
• Hemorrhoids, intestinal prolapse and fissures in the anus. These phenomena are a clear contraindication for the cleansing procedure due to the high risk of injuring these pathologies and aggravating their development
• Postoperative days. The first 2-3 weeks after surgery on the pelvic or abdominal organs, enemas are contraindicated. The procedure can prevent wound healing and cause sutures to come apart
• Neoplasms in the intestines. Wall seals, polyps and malignant tumors are contraindications for cleansing the intestines in this way
• Thromboembolism of mesenteric vessels. This pathology, in the absence of adequate timely treatment, leads to tissue death and is accompanied by severe pain; administering an enema can accelerate the development of necrotic reactions and aggravate pain

What you will need

The hospital has everything necessary to install a cleansing enema; junior medical staff will independently carry out the preparatory measures and carry out the procedure; the patient needs to concentrate and follow the nurse’s commands. If you decide to hold this event yourself, you should carefully prepare for it. You will need:

• Esmarch mug (rubber heating pad) or a special pear. Needed for prompt introduction of fluid into the intestine
• Oilcloth. Can be used medical, disposable or regular kitchen
• A sheet or old bedspread. Used as bedding on oilcloth
• Vaseline or neutral oil. Used to lubricate the tip
• A container with 1.5-2 liters of clean boiled water. Ideally, it will be bottled or distilled
• Thermometer. With its help, it is easy to determine the appropriate temperature of the liquid and adjust it if necessary

Technique

During a cleansing enema, experts recommend performing manipulations in the following sequence:

• The heating pad is filled with water and hung on a tripod 1-1.5 meters high
• Air is released from the system, liquid leakage is prevented using a clamp (new models are equipped with taps)
• An oilcloth and a sheet are laid on a hard surface (couch or bench)
• The patient lies on his left side, bending the right leg (or both) at the knee and tucking it towards the stomach
• A tip lubricated with oil or Vaseline is inserted into the anus to a depth of 3-4 centimeters.
• The clamp is removed from the tube (the tap is opened) and the entire contents of Esmarch’s mug (1-2 liters) are poured into the rectum
• After the heating pad is empty, the tip is removed and the patient turns over on his back. He needs to retain the liquid for 15-30 minutes

If there is severe slagging, the enema procedure is repeated many times.

Types of enemas

There are many signs of classifying enemas: by type, by volume and temperature, etc. They differ from each other not only in content, purpose, but also in the technology of use. The most common enema classifiers are presented in the tables below.

Any enema should be performed exclusively under the supervision of a physician. If you do not want to undergo the procedure in a hospital, then you need to call a specialist at home. He will not only select a solution, but also carry out the correct algorithm of actions.

Types of enemas

Therapeutic enemas are often used in medicine, but abuse, uncontrolled use or incorrect technology can cause complications and lead to serious intestinal problems in the future. First of all, an irresponsible approach to the procedure can cause disturbances in the intestines, and a person will not be able to get rid of feces on his own. Therefore, therapeutic enemas should be given only after a doctor’s prescription. There are the following types of therapeutic enemas:

Cleansing enema

It is used to liquefy stool and stimulate intestinal motility, which will lead to the excretion of the contents of the large intestine. It is used for:

• treatment of long-term constipation;
• removal of toxins after poisoning;
• removal of intestinal contents before surgery or childbirth.

In addition, a cleansing enema is used before a medicinal enema for better absorption of medications.

Departure is paid separately - from 350 rubles

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To enhance the relaxing effect, it is recommended to add 2 tablespoons of glycerin or vegetable oil to the solution. The stages of the procedure are presented in the table below. It is best for a cleansing enema to be performed in a hospital, as it must be carried out in accordance with sanitary standards.

If the solution pressure is insufficient, you need to pull out the tip a little, and then increase the water pressure, and if it causes pain, reduce the pressure.

It is worth remembering that a cleansing enema is a manipulation that must be carried out by a nurse to avoid damage to the anus or internal organs.

Siphon enema

Cleansing the intestines of feces through repeated cleansing. It differs from cleaning not only in the system of the device, but also in the technology of its implementation.

Before the manipulation, it is necessary to prepare the patient: place an oilcloth, the edge of which is lowered into the container, lay the patient on his side, after which you can begin the procedure. To do this you should:

1. Insert 20 cm into the rectum, having previously lubricated the tip of the device with Vaseline.
2. Fill the funnel with liquid, holding it at the level of the buttocks.
3. Raise the funnel at least 1 m. As soon as the solution drops to the narrowing level, lower it to the vessel.
4. When the solution returns to its previous level, pour the contents into the vessel.

This procedure must be carried out until the water is clear. Then the tip can be removed from the patient, and the device itself can be disinfected. In addition, the procedure must be administered exclusively by a doctor: not a nurse, not a relative, but only a specialist. But if you do not want to carry out manipulations in the hospital, then a siphon enema can be performed at home, but only by a qualified specialist.

Departure is paid separately - from 350 rubles

Request a call

Call any time of the day:

+7 (499) 455-08-05

Classification of enemas by volume

When choosing the volume of an enema, you must be guided by the amount of fluid administered. To do this, take into account the volume of the patient’s abdomen. A table of the relationship between abdominal volume and type of enema is presented in the table below.

The calculation of the required volume is carried out exclusively by a doctor, since on your own you can not only damage internal organs, but also get a crack in the anus or a rupture of the rectum. Which, in turn, will lead not only to discomfort, but also to surgical intervention.