[WITHDRAWN] Bowel scope screening: using the enema
Updated 19 July 2019
© Crown copyright 2019
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bowel-scope-screening-enema-how-to-use/bowel-scope-screening-using-the-enema
Please read all of this leaflet before you use the enema. In your enema pack you will find:
- a packaged enema ‘pouch’ with a thin tube attached
- a small white plastic clip with the enema (you don’t use this)
- a manufacturer’s patient information leaflet
1. When do I use the enema?
You need to use the enema around an hour before leaving home for your screening appointment.
Don’t eat for 30 minutes before you use it, or afterwards until you’ve had your screening carried out.
You can drink water, but no other liquids.
The effect of the enema wears off within an hour, so you don’t need to worry about travelling to the hospital.
2. What does the enema do?
An enema makes you go to the toilet within a few minutes of using it. This cleans your lower bowel so that it can be seen clearly during bowel scope screening.
The enema doesn’t give you diarrhoea.
3. Enema instructions
- Have a plastic bag ready to dispose of the enema after use. Peel the outer plastic packaging open to remove the enema pouch.
Opening the enema packaging
2. You can use a little Vaseline or cooking oil to lubricate the thin tube if you wish.
3. Lie down close to the toilet, for example in a nearby bedroom. Lie on your left side if possible. You may like
to lie on a towel. Draw your knees up towards your chest.
4. Break off the very thin tip of the blue nozzle. Make sure the nozzle is left with a smooth end.
Breaking off the thin tip of the blue nozzle
5. Gently insert the nozzle and thin tube into your bottom (anus). Insert as much of the tube as you comfortably can.
Inserting the enema
6. Use gentle pressure to squeeze the liquid into your bottom. Stop squeezing if you feel any resistance. You might not empty the whole pouch.
7. Keep a firm hold of the used pouch as you pull the nozzle and tube from your bottom. Put the used enema in the plastic bag for disposal.
Holding the enema pouch firmly while removing the tube
8. Stay lying down, and try to hold the liquid inside you for as long as you can before going to the toilet (around 5 minutes if possible).
9. If your lower bowel is empty when you use the enema, you may not have a bowel movement. You may just pass the enema liquid. Don’t worry if this happens to you – the enema has still worked.
You can dispose of the used enema in your normal household waste.
4. Advice on using the enema:
If you aren’t sure about whether you should use the enema, or need to speak to someone about how to use it, call us free on 0800 707 60 60.
Calls will be dealt with in confidence. Please don’t feel embarrassed to ask for information or advice.
For more information about bowel cancer screening, you can:
- speak to your GP
- visit the nhs.uk website
- call the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme free helpline on 0800 707 60 60 (calls are free from landlines and mobiles in the UK)
5. About this leaflet
Public Health England (PHE) created this leaflet on behalf of the NHS.
You may re-use this information (excluding logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0. Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.