title: Proctoclysis for hydration of terminally ill cancer patients.
abstract: In a prospective, open study, 78 patients with terminal cancer received proctoclysis (rectal hydration) in four different centers. In all cases, a #22 French nasogastric catheter was inserted approximately 40 cm into the rectum and an infusion of normal saline (2 cases) or tap water (76 cases) was administered at a rate of 250 +/- 63 cc/hr. Hydration was maintained for 15 +/- 8 days. The main reason for discontinuation of hydration was death (60 cases). The mean visual analogue score for discomfort after infusion (0 = no discomfort, 100 = worst possible discomfort) was 19 +/- 14. The costs of proctoclysis was estimated at Can$0.08 compared with Can$4.56 per day for hypodermoclysis, and Can$2.78 per day for intravenous hydration. Our results suggest that proctoclysis is a safe, effective, and low-cost technique for the delivery of hydration in terminally ill cancer patients.
authors.affiliation: Palliative Care Unit, Grey Nuns Community Hospital & Health Care Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bruera
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pruvost
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schoeller
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Montejo
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Watanabe
mesh_terms: D000285:Administration, Rectal; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013727:Terminal Care