Were there occurrences of electrolyte imbalance, ruptured colons, etc. in the 1950s and 60s?

When I search mainstream medical sites for information about enemas, I get a list of the dangers: ruptured colon, electrolyte imbalance (and heart attack), rectal inflammation, tears to the anal or rectal tissue, infections, dependence (of course), etc. I don't believe these sites are just the handmaidens of the pharmaceutical industry, as many alternative medical sites suggest. But many members here over the age of 60 were given periodic or even frequent enemas as children and many suggest their parents took enemas as well--often on instructions from a physician. I'm curious if any here who have professional medical experience know if these problems with enemas were known at the time. Were there frequent or occasional occurrences of electrolyte imbalance, ruptured colons, etc. in the 1950s and 60s? Were the problems with enemas only recognized later? Is the current advice from physicians coming from an abundance of caution, or concern about the psychological effects of being given an enema, or do they have experience with patients who have suffered these injuries? Just curious.

Regretfully, the lists of dangers associated with enemas are just that - lists. Consider, if you will, that enemas are still a medical procedure; maybe not as common as they once were, but they are still on the books.

Although anyone can find a few examples of enema's gone wrong, so, too, can we find examples of hazards associated with driving a car, walking in the park, or any other activity.

Yes, many of the issues in the lists have actually happened to someone, some are only "what-ifs" - swags of what *could* happen, but there are no scientific peer reviewed studies that indicate enemas are dangerous. Accidents - while driving cars, drinking beer, walking on a sidewalk or one's own back yard, taking an enema, etc. - happen. That's why they are called "accidents" and not "on purposes".

Use common sense, play safe, and enjoy the experience.

Oh, yes... those lists. Ruptured colon is the one that stands out in my noggin; having read that undetected colon disease or large diverticula could lead to a pressure blowout - I'd think about this when a strong soapy enema was cramping and pushing again a retention nozzle - kind of ruining my pleasure.

I experienced some of the effects that are referred to Legato. Since I began to self administer by the late 50's, I had overdone it on a few occasions. It scared me until I was able read about the potential for some negative reactions. Thank goodness for access to a school or public library.

I did extensive reading about enemas and after learning about electrolyte imbalance, irritation of the colon/rectal tissue, rectal perforation, and other potential dangers, I was able to enjoy a lifetime of safe and sane enema utilization and play.

There were those times that electrolyte imbalances caused some nausea and some dizziness. I learned to manage the potential and avoid those reactions. This also meant curtailing my enema use for the short term, especially with solutions and quantities.

Using salt and soda solutions rather than soapsuds, would diminish certain reactions, even though I still utilized all options at times. Some trial and error was a good educator and taught me what to avoid, or to use sparingly.

With all the reading/research, I discovered many different medical opinions that often contradicted each other. I'm sure that some of those negative occurrences are real, but some degree of common sense will allow for some continued use of enemas for the rest of my life. My "Best By" date has cum and gone!

Though you don't mention specifics I imagine that what you have found are primarily case study writeups. These are usually reports of single instances, and like news stories sometimes the more oddball the better. Because they are single instances you don't get a feel for prevalance, however I will say that some modern studies' conclusions are that enemas are safe and effective for relief of constipation.

Yes, those happen. Most common is punctured rectum from careless insertion of a nozzle. In fact most common issue reported is with Fleet-type enemas. While there are some things about those that are higher risk, the big reason is one of availability - Fleet types are what is commonly used in the medical world, and in the medical world if something bad happens it (is supposed to) be documented.

Beyond that, in any population of any size you will get mistakes and adverse effects. Many ones from enemas are related to careless administration, pushing things, or stupid solutions (too hot, bad chemicals), but yes there are some where it just happens.

Remember that little warning on bottles of acetameniphen/paracetamol in the US over the past 20 years? That is because many people suffered severe liver damage or death. Many more than had adverse enema effects.

Everything has risks if you look or dig hard enough - however remote.

You can injure or even kill yourself with water by ingesting it from either end, mouth or butt! People have died from water intoxication - drinking too much water too fast and lowering their electorlytes.

Thanks, Moliere. Though I've read some of the case studies, they mostly concern older and often demented patients and, as you note, the use of Fleet enemas. I am more curious about the fact that so many websites like WebMD discourage the use of enemas because of the dangers I mentioned in my post. The odd thing to me is that enemas were quite commonly used in the 50s and 60s and earlier--frequently at the suggestion of a physician. Did they not know of these possible adverse reactions? Did the incidence of adverse reactions not become notable until Fleet enemas entered the scene--because of the sodium phosphate contents or their firm nozzles? Why have tap water enemas simply disappeared from the physician's recommendations and been supplanted by these dire warnings? I don't believe this is simply a function of the pharmaceutical lobby, though that may play some role. So, I'm curious why the the medical profession sees the old tap water enema as something to be avoided these days. Abundance of caution?

My read is that it is just a risk/benefit analysis. Risks of a properly given enema are low, but many people do not know how to properly give them. Benefits are usually just "being more comfortable" and that usually can be done via something such as Miralax, which has very few risks, or even just doing nothing. True, a longer (much longer!) time to result, but if the benefit is "being more comfortable more rapidly" that might not be given much weight.

Earlier I think there was more concern given to being constipated.