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Stimulant enema

A solution injected into the rectum that directly stimulates the muscles of the colon in order to produce a bowel movement. Examples are sodium docusate enemas and bisacodyl enemas. Typically stimulant enemas contain a very small volume of solution, usually an ounce or less, and are frequently referred to as mini-enemas.

Administration of the min-enema is the same as larger volume enemas. The patient is placed on their left side, or sometimes in the knee-chest position if their health allows, before being given the enema. Once the enema has been administered the patient is asked to retain the enema until the urge to evacuate is strong. While the stimulant enema can produce a bowel movement in as little as five minutes, retaining the enema for fifteen to twenty minutes usually produces the best results.


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