Safety and effectiveness of large-volume enema solutions.
The effectiveness and side effects of three types of enema solutions were compared in healthy subjects. Using a repeated-measures, double-blind design, the three different enemas (soapsuds, tap water, and polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution) were given at 1-week intervals to 24 healthy volunteers. Soapsuds and tap water enemas produced significantly greater returns than polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution (PEG-ES) and were also more uncomfortable. Rectal biopsies showed surface epithelium loss after soapsuds and tap water but not after PEG-ES enemas. Before recommending changes in nursing practice, further research is needed to determine the mechanism for the surface epithelium damage and to determine if this damage produces a stronger defecation stimulus and discomfort.
Schmelzer
Marilee
M
The University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing, 76019, USA. schmelze@uta.edu
Schiller
Lawrence R
LR
Meyer
Richard
R
Rugari
Susan M
SM
Case
Patti
P
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D003672:Defecation / Q000187:drug effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004733:Enema / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011351:Proctoscopy; D012007:Rectum / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D012449:Safety; D012915:Soaps / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012996:Solutions; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014867:Water / Q000009:adverse effects
D004573:Electrolytes; D012915:Soaps; D012996:Solutions; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D014867:Water; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols