Punctured or ruptured rectum or colon

Has anyone firsthand knowledge of someone having been injured by a rectal or colon tube, or a high volume enema? I once read about a doctor that forced a barium nozzle into a patient and injured him, but that's all. Given all our insertions and high volume enemas, I guess the colon is pretty durable. An 82 year old friend on mine was advised by his family physician NOT to have a colonoscopy because the colon wall get thinner with age, and the risk of perforation increases....Wow! At 70++ I'd hate to think that my enema days are limited!

[quote author=Willyum link=topic=3618.msg34527#msg34527 date=1215022342]

Has anyone firsthand knowledge of someone having been injured by a rectal or colon tube, or a high volume enema? I once read about a doctor that forced a barium nozzle into a patient and injured him, but that's all. Given all our insertions and high volume enemas, I guess the colon is pretty durable. An 82 year old friend on mine was advised by his family physician NOT to have a colonoscopy because the colon wall get thinner with age, and the risk of perforation increases....Wow! At 70++ I'd hate to think that my enema days are limited!

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There's a world of difference between the two. I have seen nurses in a nursing/rehab center filling an enema bag for an elderly resident (I wanted to ask if she had one for me). On the other hand, I believe there reaches a point where the risk of doing a colonoscopy may outweigh the potential reward.

Anyone can be perforated by an enema nozzle if forced or there is a blockage you are not aware of.I work in a hospital and although it's rare,it can happen as I've seen firsthand.Using common sense and being gentle can eliminate a perforation or punture.

Willyum;Not to worry,I am 72yrs young,been doing enemas for 55yrs.I take high volume enemas from 3 to 3.75 qts,my colon is fine.The colon is a muscle,the more enemas you take,the stronger the colon gets.It's like lifting weights,the more you lift the stronger the muscles.I don't put sharp objects into me that could cause injury,I only use gum rubber colon tubes.Let the good times flow.w/m72yrs/western Ma

There is probably some risk associated if someone has diverticulitis. A undetected pocket in the colon could rupture.

I see people writing on here stating not to worry about hurting yourself giving enemas but not stressing that there are many variables to watch out for.You can have them for years and not have a problem but you can also have someting going on inside you are not aware of and if you don't use caution,you CAN do more damage than good.Generally they are safe but if you should experience any unusual problems,stop and get yourself checked out.I hope I don't offend anyone here but sometimes advice is given without thinking of what can happen down the road.I like talking to you all and have a good clean day!

I accidentally tore my colon using too harsh a device. Not realizing what I'd done, I went for days untill peritinitis set in. After the surgery, I had to go for a month with nothing by mouth. It was pure hell. BE CAREFULL what you stick up there. I also lost half the volume I could handle by way of enema. 😢

D

I do not have first hand knowledge; but I am aware by way of reading different articles in the past that high colonics tubes have the potential of ripping open the bowels if not administered properly. The ensueing enema can therefore enter the body and result in illness and even death.

Never force anything and be careful with high colonics.

I knew someone who died from having a colonoscopy which went wrong. She had previous bowel surgery, and the colonoscopy was to be routine. She had misgivings about having it done, but did it anyway. She was our neighbor across the street growing up. I understand it was not an easy way to go.

On the other hand, I have used a colon tube myself, had a colonoscopy and never had a problem.

There was an article in the New England Journal of Medicine, I think 1973. 15 or 16 people died between the first indexed medical journals and then 1920 something, to 1973 from all reported enema deaths world wide. Half were from punctures from too rough insertions or puncturing the colon further up, usually through a diverticuli with the higher injuries. 8 were from electrolyte imbalances. A reason for using isotonic water (baking soda or salt added) These deaths were in older people or infants who were not able to tell the nurse they were feeling bad. So 16 deaths---at least 16 billion enemas given. The risk is low, but there. Common sense, being aware of conditions helps. I wrote about this in my article on how to give an enema. Writing now from memory. Enemas are historically safer than logic would dictate. It takes sense to be able to give a safe enema.

Sorry, having senior moment. I do have a personal case. A lady, early 40s, advanced Multiple Sclerosis, she developed electrolyte imbalance from a colonic. There is nothing in the literature on this, but MS can cause paralysis of the colon, and did in this case. She filled up, but didn't empty. Went into electrolyte imbalance in the evening after the colonic.

So be careful when you are dealing with paralysis victims. The colon is an autonomic reflex, so most of these people will be fine, but not all. You have to be careful with them.

I agree being gentle is the key to any possibility of ruptering the colon. If there is pain, STOP. Use your common sense and enjoy the moment