Retention Enema

• Administration of solution to be retained in rectum for short or long period
• Are enemas meant for various purpose in which the fluid usually medicine is retained in rectum for short or long period  for local or general effects
E.g. oil retention enema

Antispasmodic enema
1. Principles:
• Is given slowly by means of a rectal tube
• The amount of fluid is usually 150-200 cc
• Cleansing enema is given after the retention time is over
• Temperature of enema fluid is 37.4 c or body (Return flow Enema) Harris fluid

Purpose
• To supply the body with fluid.
• To give medication E.g. stimulants – paraldehyde or antspasmodic.
• To soften impacted fecal matter. Other equipment is similar except that the tube for retention enema is smaller in width.

Procedure
Similar with the cleansing enema but the enema should be administered very slowly and always be preceded by passing a flatus tube

Note
1. Most medicated retention enema must be preceded by a cleansing enema. A patient must rest for ½ hrs before giving retention enema
2. Elevate foot of bed to help patient retain enema
3. The amount of fluid is usually 150-200 cc
4. Temperature of enema fluid is 37.4 oc or at body
5. Kinds of solution used to supply body with fluid are plain H2O, normal saline, glucose 5% sodabicarbonate 2-5%
6. Olive oil 100-200 cc to be retained for 6-8 hrs is given for server constipation