Enema: Definition, Purpose, and Types

Definition and Purpose

• An enema is a medical procedure where a liquid solution is injected into the rectum to stimulate bowel movement or to clean the colon.
• The purpose of an enema is to:
  • Relieve constipation or fecal impaction
  • Prepare the colon for medical procedures or surgery
  • Administer medications or nutrients
  • Clean the colon before a colonoscopy or other diagnostic procedures

Types of Enemas

• Saline enema: uses a solution of salt and water to stimulate bowel movement
• Soap suds enema: uses a solution of soap and water to help soften and remove stool
• Oil retention enema: uses a solution of oil and water to help soften and remove stool
• Medication enema: uses a solution containing medication to treat specific conditions
• Barium enema: uses a solution containing barium to help visualize the colon and intestines during X-ray imaging

Procedure

• The patient lies on their side with their knees bent and feet in the air
• The healthcare provider inserts a lubricated tube into the rectum and injects the solution
• The patient holds the solution for a few minutes to allow it to work
• The patient then expels the solution and stool into a toilet or bedpan

Risks and Side Effects

• Discomfort or pain during the procedure
• Bloating or gas
• Nausea or vomiting
• Infection or bleeding (rare)
• Electrolyte imbalance or dehydration (rare)

Contraindications

• Acute abdominal pain or tenderness
• Fecal incontinence
• Rectal bleeding or hemorrhoids
• Recent colon or rectal surgery
• Certain medical conditions, such as heart failure or kidney disease

Definition and Purpose

• Enema is a medical procedure that injects a liquid solution into the rectum to stimulate bowel movement or clean the colon.
• The purpose of an enema is to relieve constipation or fecal impaction, prepare the colon for medical procedures or surgery, administer medications or nutrients, and clean the colon before a colonoscopy or other diagnostic procedures.

Types of Enemas

• Saline enema: uses a salt and water solution to stimulate bowel movement.
• Soap suds enema: uses a soap and water solution to soften and remove stool.
• Oil retention enema: uses an oil and water solution to soften and remove stool.
• Medication enema: uses a solution containing medication to treat specific conditions.
• Barium enema: uses a solution containing barium to help visualize the colon and intestines during X-ray imaging.

Procedure

• The patient lies on their side with knees bent and feet in the air during the procedure.
• A lubricated tube is inserted into the rectum and the solution is injected.
• The patient holds the solution for a few minutes to allow it to work.
• The patient then expels the solution and stool into a toilet or bedpan.

Risks and Side Effects

• Discomfort or pain during the procedure.
• Bloating or gas can occur after the procedure.
• Nausea or vomiting may occur after the procedure.
• Infection or bleeding are rare but possible risks.
• Electrolyte imbalance or dehydration are rare but possible risks.

Contraindications

• Acute abdominal pain or tenderness is a contraindication for enema.
• Fecal incontinence is a contraindication for enema.
• Rectal bleeding or hemorrhoids are contraindications for enema.
• Recent colon or rectal surgery is a contraindication for enema.
• Certain medical conditions, such as heart failure or kidney disease, are contraindications for enema.