Intestinal Lavage

hydrotherapeutic procedures whereby feces, bacteria, mucus, pus, fermentation and putrefaction products, and intestinal excreta are removed from the intestine.

Drinking water, disinfectant solutions, solutions that liquefy mucus, and mineral water are used in performing intestinal lavage. The procedure usually involves the introduction of liquids into the intestine by enema, siphonage, submerged intestinal bath, and special instruments. An ascending intestinal douche is often used in health resorts and sanatoriums. Occasionally the liquid is introduced directly into the duodenum through a tube. Intestinal lavage is used mainly in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and metabolic disorders (constipation, dyspepsia, colitis, heavy-metal poisoning, gout, diabetes mellitus). The procedure is contraindicated in the presence of ulcers and intestinal tumors.