EFFECT OF ENEMAS ON INTESTINAL MOTILITY

Abstract

Various types of enema are recommended for the relief of postoperative abdominal distention. The beneficial action of these enemas has frequently been attributed to a reflex stimulation of the small intestine, but proof of such action has not been found in the literature. That the rate of expulsion of enemas in a dog with an obstruction is similar to that in a normal dog has been shown by Wangensteen and Goehl. 1 EXPERIMENTAL METHODS Kymographic tracings of the ileum and jejunum of normal dogs were taken before, during and after the administration of various enemas. The tracings of the ileum were taken through ileostomy openings which were made just before the experiment was begun. The tracings of the jejunum were made through recently prepared Thiry-Vella loops. 2 Enemas of tap water, physiologic solution of sodium chloride, hypertonic solution of sodium chloride, soap-suds and a mixture of magnesium sulphate, oxgall, glycerin