About Enema
Key Highlights
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Provides rapid relief from severe constipation and fecal impaction.Effectively prepares the bowel for diagnostic procedures like colonoscopy.Can be used to administer medications or contrast agents directly to the colon.Generally a quick, in-office, or bedside procedure with minimal downtime.Offers a non-surgical solution for specific bowel clearance needs.
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe, chronic constipation unresponsive to oral laxatives.
- Fecal impaction (hardened stool that cannot be passed normally).
- Bowel preparation for colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or other lower GI surgeries.
- Administration of contrast media for radiographic studies (e.g., barium enema).
- Therapeutic delivery of medications (e.g., steroids for ulcerative colitis).
- Pre-operative bowel cleansing for certain abdominal surgeries.
How to prepare
- Detailed discussion with the gastroenterologist about medical history and current medications.
- Possible adjustment or temporary cessation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised.
- Fasting may be required for a few hours before a diagnostic preparation enema.
- Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to the appointment.
- Emptying the bladder immediately before the procedure for comfort.
- Informed consent will be obtained after explanation of the procedure.
Risks & possible complications
- Mild abdominal cramping, bloating, or discomfort during and after the procedure.
- Rectal irritation, minor bleeding, or a temporary feeling of soreness.
- Risk of electrolyte imbalance, especially with repeated use of certain solutions.
- Very rare risk of bowel perforation (a tear in the colon wall).
- Allergic reaction to components of the enema solution.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness due to vasovagal response.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Most patients can resume normal activities almost immediately after the procedure.
- It is normal to have multiple bowel movements for a few hours until the solution is fully expelled.
- Drink plenty of water to rehydrate and help restore normal bowel function.
- Eat a light, easily digestible meal afterward; gradually return to a normal, fiber-rich diet.
- Report any severe pain, persistent bleeding, fever, or dizziness to your doctor promptly.
- A follow-up may be scheduled to discuss findings or the next steps in treatment.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 0-1 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering enema in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for enema in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform enema. MediFyr helps you compare surgical gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for enema compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Enema in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated surgical gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing enema.
Sarah Singh, a 35-year-old graphic designer,...
Sarah Singh, a 35-year-old graphic designer, was scheduled for a colonoscopy to investigate persistent rectal bleeding and family history of colon cancer. The standard prep solution made her violently nauseous and she was unable to complete it. Facing a cancelled procedure and prolonged anxiety, her surgical gastroenterologist, Dr. Kapoor, suggested a series of phosphate enemas as an alternative to achieve adequate bowel cleansing. Sarah felt frustrated and defeated, worried the cancer screening would be delayed. The enemas were administered in the clinic; the process was awkward and caused cramping, but the medical team was supportive and respectful. It successfully cleared her bowel for the scope. The colonoscopy proceeded, revealing only internal hemorrhoids. Post-procedure, her physical discomfort faded quickly. Emotionally, she transitioned from distress and frustration to immense relief, both from the benign findings and from overcoming the prep hurdle. She felt deeply grateful for the adaptable care that allowed her crucial screening to be completed.
Surgical Gastroenterologists for Enema
Explore experienced surgical gastroenterologists who regularly perform enema and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 35 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 29 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 4 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist