Orthograde intestinal lavage

The orthograde colonic irrigation is a form of preparation for examinations of the large intestine ( colonoscopy , colonic enema) or for operations in the abdomen. Contraindications to implementation are an intestinal obstruction ( ileus ), intestinal stenosis and heart failure .

preparation

One week before a planned examination, the diet should be as free of fiber as possible. Such a diet reduces the amount of fiber clinging to the wall of the colon, making it easier to clean the colon.

execution

As a rule, the day before the examination, patients are given a PEG solution (polyethylene glycol), of which they have to ingest three to five liters within a few hours. However, other substances are also used.

To avoid nausea during the flushing, dimenhydrinate can be given as a suppository half an hour before the flushing begins . The rinsing is carried out until a clear golden yellow liquid without solid components is excreted from the intestine. The first evacuations can be expected about 1 to 1.5 hours after the start of the flush. If a laxative abuse is known or if there is acute or chronic constipation , a laxative ( e.g. bisacodyl ) should be taken half an hour before the start of the rinse to better stimulate the peristalsis . If the patient is unable to drink the large amount of fluid quickly, irrigation can be done through a gastric tube.

After preparing to drink, you should continue to drink clear liquids (tea, water, clear juices), as the PEG solution is hyperosmolar and this could lead to the release of water through the intestinal wall into the lumen and thus to dehydration of the patient.

It has proven to be useful to drink an additional 1 liter of the PEG solution on the morning of the day of the examination in order to flush any residues out of the intestine.

Criteria for termination are severe pain or circulatory disorders.

indication

An orthograde colonic irrigation is especially indicated before planned operations on the colon as part of the preparatory measures.

literature

• Meike von zur Mühlen, Christine Keller: Care specifically, surgery, orthopedics, urology , Urban & FischerVerlag, 2009, p. 153, ISBN 3437257633 , here at google-books

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Hüthig, Jehle, Rehm: What's new in surgery? (JB 2008) , p. 357, ISBN 3609769793 , online here

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !