Enema Administration

Also known as: enema administration.

What is enema administration?

An enema is liquid medicine delivered into the anus and rectum to relieve constipation and help with colon cleansing, among other medical uses. Enema administration is the manner in which an enema is delivered to the body.

What happens during the procedure?

Enemas can be administered in a medical office or at home. The enema consists of a bag of liquid, connected to a tube that delivers the liquid directly to the rectum. The patient should like naked in a bathtub on their side. The end of the tube is lubricated and inserted into the rectum. Then the bag of liquid is emptied into the rectum. You should feel the urge to immediately use the bathroom.

Is any special preparation needed?

You should urinate before performing an enema. It’s also a good idea to put towels down between the bathtub and the toilet to catch any potential leakage.

What are the risk factors?

Bleeding, infection, irritation or damage to surrounding tissues are all potential risks of enema administration.


Reviewed by: Carrie Firestone Baum, MD

This page was last updated on: April 22, 2021 11:46 AM

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