The Enema Program
- It is recommended that the enema be administered in the morning/evening at approximately the same time each day.
- Prior to the enema, the child should eat breakfast/dinner and sit on the commode for 5-10 minutes.
- After the enema, have your child hold the water in the colon for 5-10 minutes, or as long as possible.
- Your child should, again, sit on the commode for a few minutes in an attempt to have a bowel movement.
How to administer an enema
- Slide the clamp on the enema bag until it is pinched shut.
- Fill enema bag with lukewarm tapwater.
- Open clamp until water flows throughout the tubing and the bag has the proper amount of water in it.
- Remove the protective cap from the end of the tubing. Lubricate the tip with a water soluble lubricant (i.e. K-Y Jelly).
- Insert the end of the tubing into the rectum approximately 3 inches or one finger-length. Do not force. It is helpful to have your child take slow, deep breaths through the mouth and bend the knees toward the chest. This will help to relax the rectal muscles.
- Slide the clamp to open the tubing.
- Raise the bag approximately 12-18 inches above the rectum.
- The water should flow in slowly. The rate can be adjusted by either moving the clamp or raising/lowering the bag. If there is no flow of water into the rectum, the tip might be clogged with stool.
- Remove the tip and clean with soap and water. Reinsert the tip and continue giving the enema. If cramps occur, stop water flow temporarily by clamping the tubing or lowering the bag. Wait several minutes, and then giving the enema.
- ALL the water from the bag should be used.
This information is provided by the University of Michigan Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. For additional health information, please contact your health care provider or our offices.
