Why is this procedure done?
Your doctor has ordered a drug for you. This drug is a liquid given into your rectum. Enema is another name for this liquid. Another name for your rectum is your anus. You may also need an enema to help soften stool if you are constipated. ‚
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What will the results be?
Your rectum will absorb the liquid for your body to use. If you are constipated, it will help your bowels to move. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Make sure you have all of the items that you will need. Place them on a clean surface nearby.
- Enema solution
- Enema bag and tube
- Water-based lubricant like KY Jelly
- A tissue or cloth
- Check the drug.
- Read the label to make sure that you have the correct drug.
- Make sure you have the right dose. Check the amount of drug against what the doctor ordered.
- Check the expiration date. Do not use it if it is expired.
- Get the drug ready to give.
- Some enema solutions come in a prefilled container.
- For others, the doctor will ask you to make the solution at home. Then you will need to fill the enema bag with the right amount of solution for your age.
- Wash your hands with warm, soapy water before you begin. Some people prefer to use a glove, plastic wrap, or finger cot to protect their fingers when giving an enema.
What happens during the procedure?
- Lie down on your side.
- If you are right handed, lie on your left side.
- If you are left handed, lie on your right side.
- Raise your top knee toward your chin.
Prefilled enema bottle ‚
- Coat the tip of the bottle with the lubricating jelly.
- Gently push the end of the enema bottle into your rectum. For children, this is about 11/2 to 2 inches. For adults, this is about 2 to 3 inches.
- Gently squeeze the contents of the bottle into the rectum.
- Remove the enema bottle.
- If possible, wait until you have a strong feeling of needing to have a bowel movement. Try to wait at least 5 to 10 minutes.
Enema bag and tube ‚
- Coat the tip of the tube with the lubricating jelly.
- Gently push the end of the tube into your rectum. For children, this is about 11/2 to 2 inches. For adults, this is about 2 to 3 inches.
- Open the clamp and let the fluid flow by gravity into your rectum. Keep the bag 1 to 2 feet about your hips. If you start to have cramps in your stomach, lower the bag a little.
- The enema fluid should flow into your rectum over about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Remove the enema tube.
- If possible, wait until you have a strong feeling of needing to have a bowel movement. Try to wait at least 5 to 10 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- If the enema bottle is disposable, throw it away. If it is reusable, wash with hot soapy water. You may want to also boil the tubing to sterilize it.
- Wash your hands to remove any drug that may be on them.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Mild itching
- Stomach cramps
When do I need to call the doctor?
You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse. ‚
Helpful tips
- You may want to place a pad to protect the bed or sheets under your hips when giving an enema.
- An enema bag in a high position allows the liquid to go into your rectum fast. Keep the enema bag at a low level, which is 1 to 2 feet above your hips.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚