There are times when cleansing enema may be needed, but this should not be very often. Nor should one give this treatment without due thought. Treating an organ like the colon should not be left to the decision of an amateur. However, if your doctor suggests that you give your patient an enema, this is how it is done.

First of all, you will need some type of irrigating can or container. You should also have a rubber tube about three feet long. One end is connected to the irrigating can. The other end is attached to a hard rubber enema tip, or perhaps a small rectal tube.

Lay the patient on his side, with his knees drawn up. Apply some suitable lubricant, such as Vaseline, to the enema tip. Insert the tip into the rectum, usually about three or four inches. Allow the water to flow into the rectum slowly. The can should be raised about eighteen inches above the level of the rectum. As soon as the patient has a desire to expel the fluid, allow him to do so. Place him on the bedpan. Stay close by in case he should need help or support. After the evacuation clean the equipment and put it away.

Do not use soapsuds. They irritate the bowel. Plain water is best. The temperature should be somewhere near body heat. If you wish, you may add a teaspoon of table salt and a quarter teaspoon of baking soda to the solution, but this is usually not necessary. In a high fever it is well to use ice water to bring down the patient’s temperature.