Journal Mobile

Author(s): 
D Doyle
Journal Issue: 
Volume 35: Issue 4: 2005

Format

Abstract

 

Enemas  and  clysters  have  been  administered  since  before  recorded history, using  instruments  ranging  from  cow  horns  and  hollowed  out  bamboo shoots  to  metal  syringes  to  inject  laxatives, herbs, opium, turpentine, tobacco, oxygen  and  noxious  chemicals.   The  potentially  lethal  dangers  are  today  well recognised.  The  rectal  route, now  less  often  used  for  laxative  enemas  is  still proving useful for other medications, increasingly in suppository form.

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