Enema for Poop: Types, Benefits, and Potential Risks Explained
What are enemas and how do they work. What are the different types of enemas available. Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with using enemas. How effective are enemas for treating constipation.
Understanding Enemas: Purpose and Function
Enemas are rectal injections of fluid designed to cleanse the colon and stimulate bowel movements. They have been utilized for centuries as a remedy for chronic constipation and to prepare patients for certain medical procedures. But what exactly are enemas and how do they work?
An enema involves introducing liquid into the rectum and lower colon through the anus. This fluid helps to soften stool, stimulate peristalsis (intestinal contractions), and flush out fecal matter. The primary goals are typically to relieve constipation, clean out the bowel before medical tests or surgeries, or deliver medications directly to the colon.
While enemas can be administered by healthcare professionals in clinical settings, many types are also available for home use. However, it’s crucial to understand the proper techniques and potential risks before attempting to self-administer an enema.
The Two Main Categories of Enemas
Enemas generally fall into two broad categories: cleansing enemas and retention enemas. Each type serves a specific purpose and requires different administration techniques.
Cleansing Enemas
Cleansing enemas are designed to be held briefly in the rectum, typically for just a few minutes. Their primary function is to flush out the colon quickly and promote rapid bowel movements. Some common types of cleansing enemas include:
- Water or saline enemas
- Epsom salt enemas
- Sodium phosphate enemas
- Lemon juice enemas
- Apple cider vinegar enemas
- Soap suds enemas
Each of these variants works slightly differently, but all aim to stimulate bowel movements through mechanical action, mild irritation, or changes in the colon’s environment.
Retention Enemas
Retention enemas, as the name suggests, are meant to be held in the bowel for an extended period, usually at least 15 minutes. These enemas often have additional therapeutic purposes beyond simple bowel cleansing. Some popular retention enemas include:
- Coffee enemas
- Mineral oil enemas
- Probiotic enemas
- Herbal enemas
Retention enemas may work by lubricating the stool, delivering beneficial substances directly to the colon, or promoting the removal of toxins, depending on their composition.
The Science Behind Enemas for Constipation Relief
Constipation is a common digestive issue characterized by infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stool, or a sense of incomplete evacuation. Can enemas effectively alleviate this uncomfortable condition?
Enemas can indeed provide relief from constipation through several mechanisms:
- Mechanical stimulation: The introduction of fluid into the rectum and colon creates pressure, which can stimulate the natural defecation reflex.
- Softening of stool: Water-based enemas can help hydrate and soften hardened stool, making it easier to pass.
- Lubrication: Oil-based enemas can lubricate the colon, facilitating the passage of stool.
- Osmotic effect: Some enema solutions (like saline) can draw water into the colon, increasing stool volume and stimulating bowel movements.
While enemas can be effective for occasional constipation relief, it’s important to note that they should not be relied upon as a long-term solution. Frequent use of enemas can disrupt the body’s natural bowel function and lead to dependence.
Potential Benefits of Enemas Beyond Constipation Relief
While constipation relief is the most well-known use for enemas, some proponents claim they offer additional health benefits. Do these claims hold up to scrutiny?
Some purported benefits of enemas include:
- Detoxification of the body
- Improved overall gut health
- Enhanced immune function
- Relief from headaches and fatigue
- Improved mood and mental clarity
However, it’s important to approach these claims with caution. While many individuals report feeling better after using enemas, scientific evidence supporting these broader health claims is limited. The human body has its own sophisticated detoxification systems, primarily the liver and kidneys, which effectively remove toxins without the need for additional interventions.
That said, enemas do have legitimate medical uses beyond constipation relief. They are often used to prepare the bowel for colonoscopies or other diagnostic procedures, and can be an effective way to deliver certain medications directly to the colon.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Enema Use
While enemas can be beneficial when used appropriately, they are not without risks. What are some potential side effects and dangers associated with enema use?
Common side effects of enemas may include:
- Cramping and discomfort
- Nausea
- Feelings of bloating or fullness
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Dehydration
More serious risks, particularly with frequent or improper use, can include:
- Perforation of the rectum or colon
- Infection
- Disruption of normal bowel function
- Dependence on enemas for bowel movements
- Imbalance of gut bacteria
It’s crucial to follow proper techniques and guidelines when using enemas, and to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Choosing the Right Enema: Factors to Consider
With various types of enemas available, how can one choose the most appropriate option? Several factors should be considered when selecting an enema:
- Purpose: Are you using the enema for constipation relief, bowel preparation, or another specific purpose?
- Ingredients: Water or saline-based enemas are generally the safest options. Be cautious with additives, especially if you have sensitivities or allergies.
- Retention time: Consider whether you need a quick-acting cleansing enema or a longer-acting retention enema.
- Medical history: Certain health conditions may make some types of enemas unsuitable or dangerous.
- Frequency of use: If you’re considering regular enema use, discuss this with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your situation.
Remember, while over-the-counter enemas are readily available, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, especially if you’re dealing with chronic constipation or other digestive issues.
Proper Techniques for Safe Enema Administration
If you’ve decided to use an enema, it’s crucial to follow proper techniques to ensure safety and effectiveness. How should one properly administer an enema?
Here are some general guidelines for safe enema administration:
- Gather all necessary supplies, including the enema solution, lubricant, and a clean, comfortable place to lie down.
- Warm the enema solution to body temperature to prevent discomfort.
- Lubricate the tip of the enema nozzle.
- Lie on your left side with knees drawn up to your chest.
- Gently insert the nozzle into the rectum.
- Slowly introduce the fluid into the rectum.
- Hold the fluid for the recommended amount of time (this varies depending on the type of enema).
- Release the fluid into the toilet when ready.
It’s important to stop immediately if you experience significant pain or discomfort during the process. Always follow the specific instructions provided with your enema kit or as directed by your healthcare provider.
Alternatives to Enemas for Promoting Bowel Health
While enemas can be effective for occasional use, they’re not the only option for maintaining bowel health and regularity. What are some alternatives to enemas that can promote healthy bowel function?
Consider these natural approaches to improve bowel health:
- Increase fiber intake through diet or supplements
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Engage in regular physical activity
- Establish a consistent bathroom routine
- Try gentle abdominal massage
- Consider probiotics to support gut health
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques
For occasional constipation, over-the-counter laxatives or stool softeners may be appropriate. However, if you’re experiencing chronic constipation or other persistent digestive issues, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to identify and address the underlying causes.
In conclusion, while enemas can be an effective tool for specific situations, they should be used judiciously and under appropriate guidance. Maintaining overall gut health through lifestyle measures is often the best long-term strategy for promoting regular, comfortable bowel movements.
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Enemas are used to relieve constipation and cleanse the colon. Water- or saline-based enemas tend to carry the least risk. However, enemas can have side effects, such as disturbing your gut bacteria and affecting your body’s electrolyte balance.
Enemas are rectal injections of fluid intended to cleanse or stimulate the emptying of your bowel.
They have been used for hundreds of years to treat chronic constipation and prepare people for certain medical tests and surgeries (1).
Enemas can be administered by a medical professional or self-administered at home.
This article reviews different types of enemas, as well as their potential benefits and health concerns.
Constipation is a condition in which the natural movement of your stool slows down, making them hard, dry, and difficult to excrete. For many people, this can be a chronic problem that requires an intervention like an enema — or a laxative inserted rectally.
Enemas may also be prescribed to flush out your colon before certain diagnostic tests or surgeries. Your bowel needs to be empty before these procedures to reduce infection risk and prevent stool from getting in the way.
According to some enema advocates, when waste builds up in your colon over time, it leads to ailments like depression, fatigue, headaches, allergies, and irritability, and using enemas can provide relief.
While it’s true that many people with chronic constipation experience depression and other psychological symptoms, evidence is lacking to suggest that waste buildup directly leads to the other aforementioned effects (2, 3).
There are two main types of enemas — cleansing and retention.
Cleansing enemas
Cleansing enemas are water-based and meant to be held in the rectum for a short time to flush your colon. Once injected, they’re retained for a few minutes until your body rids itself of the fluid, along with loose matter and impacted stool in your bowel.
Some of the most common cleansing enemas include (3, 4):
- Water or saline. The least irritating of all options, water or saline — salt water that mimics your body’s sodium concentration — are used primarily for their ability to expand the colon and mechanically promote defecation.
- Epsom salt. This is similar to a water or saline enema, but magnesium-rich Epsom salt is said to be more effective at relaxing bowel muscles and relieving constipation.
- Sodium phosphate. This is a common over-the-counter enema that works by irritating your rectum, causing it to expand and release waste.
- Lemon juice. Lemon juice mixed with warm, filtered water is said to balance the pH of your body while cleansing your colon.
- Apple cider vinegar. Advocates say that mixing apple cider vinegar with warm, filtered water can quickly clear the bowel and may have other antiviral healing effects on your digestive system.
- Soap suds. Adding castile soap, or another mild soap with minimal additives, to water mildly irritates the bowel, which encourages the rapid excretion of stool.
Retention enemas
Retention enemas are designed to be held in your bowel for an extended period — usually a minimum of 15 minutes — before being released. Retention enemas may be water- or oil-based, which softens the stool and makes it easier for your body to expel.
Some of the most common retention enemas include (5, 6, 7):
- Coffee. Coffee enemas are a mixture of brewed, caffeinated coffee and water thought to promote bile removal from the colon. They were popularized by Max Gerson, a physician who used them to help treat people with cancer.
- Mineral oil. This type of enema works primarily by lubricating waste inside of your colon, sealing it with water, and promoting its removal.
- Probiotic. Mixing probiotics with water may cleanse your bowel while helping colonize your good gut bacteria. Lactobacillus reuteri enemas have been shown to reduce inflammation in children with ulcerative colitis.
- Herbal. Some people use herbs like garlic, catnip tea, or red raspberry leaf mixed with water to make herbal enemas with purported nutritional, infection-fighting, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Summary
Enemas are rectal injections of fluid that are intended to cleanse your bowel or treat chronic constipation. The two main types — cleansing and retention enemas — come in a variety of solutions and can be injected at home.
Enemas can treat constipation and clear out your bowel. However, many people choose to use enemas for other purported health benefits (8, 9).
Some advocates claim that enemas can support weight loss, remove toxins and heavy metals from your body, and improve your skin, immunity, blood pressure, and energy levels.
Still, evidence is limited to suggest that enemas are effective for these purposes or that they benefit everyone who uses them. Most evidence in support of their effectiveness is anecdotal, despite their widespread use in modern medicine (10).
Enemas appear to be most effective when used to relieve chronic constipation in a medical setting, though they come with many risks, especially when self-administered at home (11, 12).
Summary
Enemas can be effective in cleansing the bowel and treating chronic constipation, but most evidence in their favor is anecdotal rather than science based.
Though enemas can clean out your bowel, you should consider their risks and take certain precautions before using one.
May interrupt your body’s natural balances
Enemas may disturb your gut bacteria and throw off your body’s electrolyte balance.
Research shows that enemas used in preparation for medical procedures significantly disrupt gut bacteria, though the effect appears to be temporary. However, enemas that are split and administered in two doses seem to have fewer effects on the microbiome (13, 14).
Electrolyte disturbances have been observed with various types of enemas, such as large-volume soap suds enemas and those containing minerals.
For instance, there have been reports of Epsom salt enemas causing death from magnesium overdose. In another case, an older man died from severe electrolyte disruption caused by taking two sodium phosphate enemas (3, 15, 16).
Other reports note that the overuse of enemas to flush out the colon may lead to severe dehydration, which can be fatal (17).
Enema solutions can harm your bowel
Lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and coffee enemas are highly acidic, and scientific evidence to suggest their effectiveness or safety is lacking.
What’s more, the evidence shows that their acidity and makeup can harm your bowel and lead to rectal burns, inflammation, infections, and even death (1).
Similarly, there are reports of children being given acidic hydrogen peroxide enemas, which resulted in an inflamed colon, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and long-term complications (18).
Furthermore, in some people, herbal enemas have caused internal bleeding that required a blood transfusion and removal of the colon (1).
Dirty or improperly used tools can cause infection and damage
If you self-administer an enema at home, it’s critical to make sure that the tools you use are sterile, meaning they’re free of harmful germs. The use of dirty tools increases your risk of contracting a potentially dangerous infection.
Improper tool use may also cause physical damage to your rectum, anus, or colon. Studies indicate that perforation of the bowel is not a rare complication of frequent enema use that could put your internal organs at risk of infection (3, 12, 19).
Sterile enema injection kits, which usually include a bucket, tubing, solution, and sometimes a bulb, can be found online or at many local drug stores. They come with directions for cleaning and safe use.
Summary
Though enemas can be safe and effective, they come with many risks, especially when administered at home. Improperly used enemas can cause potentially life-threatening physical and chemical damage to your rectum or colon.
If you’re mainly considering an enema to stimulate and clean out your digestive system, there may be other, less invasive options.
Some potential alternatives to enemas, which can promote waste excretion and bowel regularity, include (20, 21, 22, 23):
- drinking caffeinated coffee, which is known to stimulate defecation
- staying well hydrated with water
- getting regular exercise like walking, running, biking, or aerobics
- trying an over-the-counter oral laxative like magnesium
- increasing your fiber intake by eating whole plant foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
If you have severe constipation or other medical issues, speak to your medical provider to determine whether an enema would be a safe and appropriate treatment.
Summary
Less risky alternatives to enemas that can help stimulate bowel movements include staying hydrated, getting regular exercise, and following a healthy, high-fiber diet.
Enemas are used to relieve constipation and cleanse the colon. Water- or oil-based solutions are injected into the bowel through your rectum to expel impacted waste.
Mild enemas like water or saline carry the least risk, but you should consult your healthcare provider before using one at home. Furthermore, ensuring the proper use of sterile injection tools is very important for safety.
Many people swear by enemas to promote regularity and prevent constipation, but evidence of their effectiveness is limited.
Other, less risky alternatives may be a better option in most cases.
Enema Constipation | Everyday Health
Some common steps in administering an enema include:
- Drink one or two glasses of water prior to the enema, as it can cause you to become dehydrated.
- Lie on your stomach with your knees pulled under you.
- Lubricate the enema tube and gently insert it into your rectum.
- If you’re using a disposable enema, gently squeeze the contents into your rectum. If you’re using an enema bag with a homemade solution, hold the bag up and allow gravity to deliver the contents.
- Once the bag is empty, remove the tube from your rectum.
- Wait in that position until you feel the need to move your bowels. You should feel a powerful urge within 2 to 10 minutes. Try to hold the enema in for at least 5 minutes to achieve maximum benefit.
Health Concerns Regarding Enemas
Because enemas can cause dehydration, overuse of enemas can create serious health problems. Use of enemas for constipation on a regular basis can lead to an electrolyte imbalance in the body called hyponatremia, in which the blood becomes diluted and its salt content becomes lower than normal. Hyponatremia can cause muscle spasms and swelling of the brain that leads to mental impairment. This is a particular concern when using enemas with plain tap water.
On the other extreme, overuse of phosphate enemas for constipation can lead to a condition called hyperphosphatemia, in which the blood levels of phosphate salts become elevated.
Be sure to consult with your doctor before using an enema, and exhaust all other possibilities first.
Learn more in the Everyday Health Digestive Health Center.
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what to choose for the treatment of chronic constipation
Laxatives and enemas: what to choose for the treatment of chronic constipation
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Laxatives and enemas: what to choose for the treatment of chronic constipation
Chronic constipation is most often observed in the elderly: more than 36% of patients over 60 years of age suffer from defecation disorders, while before the age of 60 the problem is 3 times less common. Also at risk are people with limited mobility, bedridden patients, patients after operations on the abdominal organs.
Constipation significantly impairs the quality of life, disrupts the digestive process, and can lead to dangerous coloproctological diseases. Therefore, patients with chronic constipation must be prescribed treatment: diet therapy, exercise therapy, drug therapy (laxatives), enema, if indicated.
Laxatives for constipation – types and features of use
Medication for constipation is challenging because most people self-medicate and take over-the-counter laxatives for a long time. Unsystematic therapy exacerbates existing disorders, therefore, by the time of examination by a doctor, a person usually has many days of constipation, and the defecation process is accompanied by strong straining, the need for manual assistance for emptying.
General principles for the use of laxatives:
● the choice of the drug is carried out taking into account the cause of constipation: irrational nutrition, physical inactivity, intestinal atony after surgery, chronic gastrointestinal diseases, etc.;
● with long-term constipation and the presence of concomitant diseases, a combination of laxatives with a different mechanism of action is recommended;
● The dosage and frequency of use of laxatives are periodically changed in order to achieve a good therapeutic result without harm to health and adverse reactions;
● with difficult and painful bowel movements, oral laxatives are combined with local remedies in the form of rectal suppositories;
● for neurological and psycho-emotional causes of constipation, drugs are prescribed that affect the peripheral and central nervous system.
In medical practice, different types of laxatives are used. They differ in mechanism and strength of action, adverse reactions, indications. Next, we will talk in detail about each group of drugs, mentioning their advantages, disadvantages and nuances of use.
Please note that the information is provided for informational purposes only! For the selection of laxatives, we recommend that you consult an ID-Clinic therapist, which is available online, at a clinic appointment, at home for patients with limited mobility.
Stool bulking agents
Medicines contain bran, cellulose, flax seeds and other components that increase the amount of feces and normalize its consistency. Increased stool volume stimulates mechanoreceptors, enhances intestinal motility and promotes the process of defecation.
The drugs act gently and physiologically, so they are prescribed for long-term use, including in elderly and debilitated patients. The exception is patients in the postoperative period and those with adhesive disease, in whom such laxatives can provoke an increase in pain.
The advantages of drugs from this group:
● have good drug compatibility, which is important for people who constantly take drugs to correct chronic diseases;
● safe medicines with a minimum number of adverse reactions and complications;
● do not “turn off” the motor function of the intestine and are not addictive;
● can be used for a long time without the risk of complications;
● bind cholesterol and increase its excretion with feces, thereby helping to correct dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis.
Osmotic laxatives
Another commonly used group of laxatives. They increase the osmotic pressure in the intestinal lumen and retain water, thereby softening the stool. Like the previous group of drugs, osmotic preparations increase the volume of feces, contribute to its promotion and painless removal during defecation. Medicines can be used long-term to normalize the functioning of digestion and regular stools in patients with chronic constipation.
Benefits of osmotic laxatives include:
● do not irritate the intestinal mucosa;
● are not addictive;
● are not absorbed into the blood, do not wash out salts and vitamins from the intestines;
● have an additional prebiotic effect – stimulate the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora;
● show an auxiliary therapeutic effect in cardiovascular diseases, renal and hepatic insufficiency, diabetes mellitus.
Drugs that cause chemical irritation of intestinal receptors
Drugs from this group have a dual effect. First, they increase intestinal motility, helping to move the stool and causing the urge to defecate. Secondly, drugs stimulate the secretion of fluid and electrolytes into the intestinal lumen, which allows you to increase the volume of feces and make them more liquid. Medicines have a quick laxative effect, so patients often purchase them for self-medication.
However, this category of drugs has a number of significant disadvantages:
● provoke secretory type of diarrhea, causing disturbances in water and electrolyte balance in the body;
● quickly addictive, require a constant increase in doses, which is fraught with dangerous side reactions;
● with prolonged uncontrolled use cause degenerative changes in the nervous structures of the intestine;
● can provoke a specific drug complication – laxative disease.
Given the potential risks and complications, stimulant laxatives are usually given in short courses of up to 2 weeks. They help to cope with long-term constipation, after which patients are transferred to milder and gentler drug options for continuous use.
Softeners
This category includes various types of oils that are taken orally, administered in the form of rectal suppositories. They soften the feces, coat the mucous membrane of the rectum and facilitate the process of defecation.
Such drugs do not have a pronounced laxative effect, so they are used to a limited extent. Most often, oil products are used in the postoperative period and in bedridden patients to reduce straining during bowel movements.
Enemas for constipation – when and why they are prescribed
For many people, enema becomes the main self-help remedy for constipation, but in fact, this procedure is not a treatment and does not help solve the problem of the gastrointestinal tract. Abuse of artificial bowel cleansing is fraught with a violation of the microflora, progressive atony of the colon and aggravation of constipation. Therefore, enemas are prescribed only as a one-time procedure to remove the accumulation of stool and improve the patient’s condition.
The main indication for enema is the lack of effect from drug treatment of constipation. However, do not prescribe an enema yourself. This is a medical procedure that should be carried out on the recommendation of a doctor no more than 1 time per week. For cleansing, ordinary water or water-oil solutions are used, which cover the walls of the intestine, facilitate the removal of dry, lumpy feces.
In addition to conventional enemas, microclysters are also used. They contain a combination of laxatives that are injected in small amounts into the rectum. On sale there are options for single use – a portioned tube with a special tip for rectal use. Microenemas show a strong and fast effect, but like regular enemas, they are not suitable for frequent use.
If the prescribed treatment regimen does not help, and there is a frequent need for enemas to empty the intestines, you should visit the doctor again. A change in pharmacotherapy, the use of stronger laxatives or drug combinations may be required.
With the progression of constipation, the absence of the effect of conservative tactics and complicated forms of colostasis, surgical intervention is indicated. In this case, the ID-Clinic doctor gives a referral for hospitalization so that the hospital surgeon selects the tactics of the operation and performs the necessary treatment.
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I want to say a huge thank you to Tatyana Sergeevna for her professionalism and caring attitude! She was at the reception on January 26 with a suspicion of an active process of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy (there was a positive test for IG M, obtained in one of the well-known hospitals in the city). After analyzing all the data, Tatyana Sergeevna doubted the reliability of the analysis and painted me an action plan for rechecking. And most importantly, she reassured me, gave confidence that everything would be fine, gave useful advice. And indeed, everything turned out as the doctor expected: when rechecking at Botkin, they did not find anything with me. Thank you very much, Doctor!
Specialist:
Korneeva Tatyana Sergeevna
Prodoctors
My opinion remained positive, I personally liked the doctor, I have no complaints. Firstly, I came for a consultation, then Chirskaya Maria Alexandrovna conducted an examination. In the end, she recommended what medicines to use in order to eliminate what was bothering me, so everything was fine. Let’s say the appointment lasted 20-30 minutes, then I waited, the doctor wrote a conclusion, went out into the hall, where she had already read everything to me again, explained everything, that is, she deciphered the tests based on the results of the examination. Communicated very well and tactfully. No complaints at all, no. I cannot doubt her professionalism, while she prescribed the treatment, in about a week, when I go through the course of treatment, then I will already determine whether the treatment was prescribed correctly or not. If the need arises, I would definitely recommend this doctor. I think that Maria Alexandrovna is a very pleasant, wonderful doctor.
Specialist:
Chirskaya Maria Aleksandrovna
Prodoctors
A wonderful doctor, few such attentive specialists. She looked at everything, made a diagnosis and picked up the pills that fit me. Before that, in the clinic, a cardiologist selected drugs for me by typing.
Specialist:
Teslya Olga Vladimirovna
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Contrast enema | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
This information will help you prepare for your contrast enema at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK).
A contrast enema is an X-ray examination of the colon. It is performed with a contrast medium such as barium or iodine solution, also called iohexol (Omnipaque ® ), air, or a combination of the two. The contrast agent makes it easier to examine the colon during x-ray examination.
Most people need to have their colon cleansed (prepare the intestines) before a contrast enema. Please check with your healthcare provider prior to your procedure to determine what preparation you need.
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Before your procedure
If you are hospitalized before your contrast enema, your ward nurse will give you everything you need to prepare your bowel. If you are coming to the hospital from home for the contrast enema, check with your doctor about preparations. Most people need to purchase everything listed below a few days before the procedure.
- Polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX®). You will need 1 vial (238 g).
- Gatorade® (light in color, not red or purple). You will need 2 bottles (32 oz. (950 ml) each).
- Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®), 5 mg tablets. You will need 4 tablets.
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The Day Before Your Procedure
Follow the No Treatment Diet
Follow the No Treatment Diet the day before your procedure. Drink plenty of other fluids besides water, coffee, and tea. You need to get calories from these liquids so that you don’t get weak.
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Bowel Preparation Instructions
At 3:00 pm , take 2 bisacodyl (Dulcolax) tablets.
At 17:00:
- Divide MiraLAX into two halves. Pour half MiraLAX into each bottle of Gatorade (32 oz. (950 ml) each).
- Shake until completely mixed.
- Drink a glass (8 ounces (240 ml)) every 30 minutes until you have finished both bottles.
At 7:00 pm , take the remaining 2 bisacodyl (Dulcolax) tablets.
Pre-procedure food and drink instructions
- Do not eat after midnight the night before your procedure. This also applies to lozenges and chewing gum.
- Between midnight and two hours before your scheduled arrival time at the hospital, you can drink no more than 12 ounces (350 ml) of water (see picture).
- Refrain from eating and drinking two hours before your scheduled arrival time at the hospital. This also applies to water.
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Day of procedure
Things to remember
- Take only the medicines your doctor has told you to take on the morning of your procedure. Wash them down with a few small sips of water.
What to bring
- List of medications you are taking.
- Medications for breathing problems (such as an inhaler), if needed.
- Medicines for chest pain, if you use them.
- If you have a stoma, bring an extra bag and supplies with you.
Where to Park
The MSK Garage is located on East 66 th Street between York Avenue and First Avenue. For parking pricing, call 212-639-2338.
To access the garage turn onto East 66 th Street off York Avenue. The garage is located about a quarter of a block from York Avenue, on the right (north) side of the street. A pedestrian tunnel leads from the garage to the hospital.
There are other garages located on East 69 th Street between First and Second Avenues, East 67 th Street between York and First Avenues, and on East 65 th Street between First and Second Avenues .
Where to go
You need to come to the MSK main building. Enter through the entrance at 425 East 67 th Street, between First Avenue and York Avenue, and take elevator A to the 2nd floor .
What to expect on the day of your procedure
When you arrive at the hospital, doctors, nurses, and other medical staff will ask you several times to spell and spell your name and date of birth. This is necessary for your safety. People with the same or similar names can have the procedure on the same day.
After you change into a hospital gown, the technologist and radiologist will talk about the procedure and answer your questions. You will be helped to lie flat on your back on the X-ray table.
You will have an x-ray of your abdomen to make sure there is no stool (feces) in your colon. The radiologist will insert a small tube into the rectum so that the contrast agent can flow into the large intestine. At this point, you may feel spasms. The radiologist will monitor the passage of the contrast agent through the colon on a monitor screen while the machine takes x-rays.
During the procedure, the table top may be tilted up or down and you may be assisted in different positions. This will help the contrast agent cover the entire surface of the colon.
The technologist will remove the tube from your rectum and take you to the bathroom, where you can release the contrast agent and air. After that, one or more x-rays will be taken. After the radiologist has reviewed all x-rays, you can leave.
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After your procedure
You can return to your normal diet and lifestyle unless your doctor or nurse tells you otherwise.
If you have been given a barium enema, your stools will be white for the next few days until all the barium has passed out of your body. Barium can cause constipation, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to help move it out of the intestines.