Enema

Enema: is the introduction of fluid into rectum and sigmoid colon for cleansing, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.

Purpose:
• For emptying – soap solution enema
• For diagnostic purpose (Barium enema)
• For introducing drug/substance (retention enema)

Solution used:
1. Normal saline
2. Soap solution – sol. Soap 1gm in 20 ml of H2O
3. Epsum salt 15 gm – 120 gm in 1,000 ml of H2O

Mechanisms of some solutions used in enema
1. Tap water: increase peristalsis by causing mechanical distension of the colon.
2. Normal saline solution
3. Soap solution: increases peristalsis due to irritating effect of soap to the lumenal mucosa of the colon.
4. Epsum salt: The concentrated solution causes flow of ECF (extra cellular fluid) to the lumen causing mechanical distension resulting in increased peristalsis.

Classified into:
• Cleansing (evacuation)
• Retention
• Carminative
• Return flow enema