Enemas, or E-type colon cleansing has been around for a very long time. The concept here is adding a fluid medium directly into the colon via a tube inserted in the rectum.. The fluid added may be anything from warm tap water to milk of molasses. Sometimes salt water solutions are used. All of the issues we discussed with L-type colon cleansing may be applied here as well. When using an E-type colon cleanser in a luxury spa or in the comfort of your own home, the liquid promotes complete evacuation of the colon. If one is constipated, this may provide temporary relief - but it can be very dangerous. In order for an enema to clean out the entire colon, the fluid has to reach the cecum, which is in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. That means having the fluid pushed under enough pressure to travel up the left side of the body, move across the upper abdomen, and then down the right side of the body. In addition to the disruption of normal colon lining health as discussed previously, you have now added the possibility of colon perforation and damage to the anal sphincter complex. Colon perforations have been reported with enema use - thankfully these are rare events, but require emergency surgery and even death if not treated quickly. Repeated insertion of foreign bodies such as catheters into the rectum can cause sphincter trauma. This can lead to fecal incontinence, a loss of the ability to hold ones stool. Enemas may be recommended for specific medical problems - but should only be used under the supervision of your physician.
Colon Cleansing - F-type
