Phosphate containing enemas: one undervalued risky practice? The management of an adverse event

Abstract

The phosphate-containing enemas are widely used, both to manage constipation and as a preparation for endoscopic procedures and surgery in adults and children. Many studies report that the use of these laxatives can be dangerous. To identify possible prevention strategies starting from a severe adverse reaction due to repeated administrations of phosphate enemas. A working group was started, the literature was reviewed and recommendations for an appropriate use of enemas were discussed and implemented, to improve patients' safety. Phosphate-containing enemas were replaced with 125 ml water enemas; recommendations were spread to strongly limit the use of phosphate containing enemas and the use of laxative in the first and second semester of 2012, were confronted showing a change in habits and a reduction in the use of phosphate containing enemas. The implementation of several strategies, originated from an adverse event, succeeded in modifying the use of laxatives and phosphate-containing enemas.