Using a phosphate enema at home
You are due to attend the Endoscopy Unit for a flexible sigmoidoscopy.
For this to be successful, your bowel must be empty and clear of bowel motion.
If the bowel is not clear, the test would have to be repeated.
You have agreed to have your enema at home before attending for your flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Enemas are safe, gentle and easy to use.
Most people find it convenient and comfortable to use the enema at home.
What are the benefits and risks of using the enema?
The benefits of having the enema mean that the doctor or nurse endoscopist will be able
to examine you and may find out what is wrong.
Like all medicines, the enema can have side-effects,
although not everybody will get them.
Enemas may occasionally cause:
Abdominal pain
Allergic reactions
Anal Itching
Blisters
Bloating
Chills
Dehydration
Diarrhoea
Nausea
Vomiting
The effects of the enema wear off after about 1 hour, so you should have no problems travelling
to the hospital.
When should I not use the enema?
Do not use the enema if you are:
Allergic to sodium dihydrogen phosphate dehydrate, disodium phosphate dodecahydrate
or any other of the ingredients of the enema.
Have a narrowing or incomplete opening of the anus.
Have kidney problems.
Have congestive heart failure.
Have uncontrolled blood pressure.
Have been diagnosed with colitis.
Have bloody diarrhoea.
When should I use the enema?
Use the enema about 1 hour before leaving home for the examination.
Do not eat for at least 1 hour before the enema.
Do not eat after using the enema (you can eat again immediately after the examination).
You may drink water before the examination but no other drinks.
Still use the enema even if you have recently had your bowels opened.
What do I need to do before using the enema?
Make sure you are near the toilet.
Find somewhere comfortable to lie down.
Have a towel to lie on in case of a little leakage.
How to use the enema
The enema may be given at room temperature or warmed in warm water (not hot).
Remove the cover from the nozzle.
Keep the bottle upright so that it does not spill.
Lie on your left side on a towel with both knees bent and drawn up to the chest.
Gently insert the nozzle (3 inches up to the disc) into your bottom.
The tip of the nozzle is pre lubricated.
Squirt in all the contents by squeezing the bottle.
Remove the nozzle and stay lying down.
Do not continue if it hurts.
The feeling may be uncomfortable but it should not be painful
Try and hold the liquid inside for as long as possible (5 - 10 minutes if possible).
Go to the toilet, but do not worry if you do not pass a motion immediately.
Stay near a toilet for the next hour.
Some people may experience mild stomach cramps for a short while.
Some people may feel a little dizzy.
If this occurs then lie down until this feeling passes.
Alternative options
The alternatives are for you to be given the enema in the Endoscopy Unit,
or to instead take a bowel preparation medication,
which has different side-effects.
You also have the option of not taking either medication, however you would be not be able
to have the flexible sigmoidoscopy.
For more information, please speak to your consultant
or one of the nurses caring for you.
If you feel at any time that you cannot give yourself an enema or experience any difficulties
whilst giving the enema, please contact the Endoscopy Unit.