Patient and Family Education Steps for Giving an Enema 1 of 6
Step 1: Gather supplies Fun activities for your child Enema bag 26 fr. Silicone Catheter with 30ml balloon 30ml syringe (slip tip) to inflate the balloon Water-soluble lubricant (Surgi-lube packets or KY Jelly) Saline solution (use the amount prescribed by your child s healthcare provider) Additives (only if prescribed by your child s healthcare provider). 60ml syringe (catheter tip) for cleaning the catheter 2 of 6
Step 2: Test the balloon to make sure it is working before you insert it into the rectum Inflate the balloon all the way with the 30ml syringe. Withdraw the plunger and the balloon should deflate all the way. Step 3: Prepare for the enema Clamp the tubing of the enema bag. Pour saline and additives into the bag (as prescribed by your child s healthcare provider). Mix by gently rubbing between your hands. Once the saline and additives are mixed in the bag, warm the solution by running it under warm tap water. 3 of 6
Open the clamp and let the fluid flow out of the bag. Fill the entire tubing (this is called priming the tubing). Then clamp the tube with the roller clamp. Place your child in a comfortable position. Your child should be on their knees with their bottom up in the air and head resting on a pillow or lying down on their stomach with the hips propped up on towels or pillows. Lubricate the catheter well and place into the rectum about 4 inches. Fill the syringe with air and attach it to the small port of the catheter. Gently inflate balloon following the instructions from your Reconstructive Pelvic Medicine nurse or doctor. Once the air is in the balloon, take the syringe off right away. Pull gently on the catheter until you feel resistance. This will prevent the solution from leaking while you give the enema. 4 of 6
Attach the tubing to the catheter. Step 4: Give the enema Let the solution run in slowly over 10 minutes. Continue to gently pull on the catheter to prevent the enema from leaking. To slow down the enema, use the roller clamp on the tubing or lower the enema bag. Have your child hold the solution for 10 minutes. This is called dwell. The dwell time makes the enema work much better. Step 5: Move your child to the toilet Leave the tubing connected to the catheter until the catheter is removed. Deflate the balloon and remove the catheter. 5 of 6
It may take as long as 45 minutes for all of the stool to leave the bowel. Giving your child the enema will take about an hour from start to finish. Halfway through the sit time on the toilet, you may have your child stand up, or move around for a brief time, if needed. When you are finished, rinse the bag with water and flush the catheter with soapy water through the 60ml syringe. To Learn More Reconstructive Pelvic Medicine 206-987-1240 Ask your child s healthcare provider www.seattlechildrens.org Free Interpreter Services In the hospital, ask your child s nurse. From outside the hospital, call the toll-free Family Interpreting Line 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need. Good job! Seattle Children s offers interpreter services for Deaf, hard of hearing or non-english speaking patients, family members and legal representatives free of charge. Seattle Children s will make this information available in alternate formats upon request. Call the Family Resource Center at 206-987-2201. This handout has been reviewed by clinical staff at Seattle Children s. However, your child s needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon this information, please talk with your child s healthcare provider. 2018 Seattle Children s, Seattle, Washington. All rights reserved. Reconstructive Pelvic Medicine 4/18 PE1634 6 of 6