Page:Linda Hazzard - Fasting for the cure of disease.djvu/234

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.


from the anus, since the liquid form of the discharge from the bowels permits ejection around the sides of the tube and avoidance is thus made of repeated insertion with consequent irritation. After the exhaustion of the water in the bag, the tip should be withdrawn, and the extra one mentioned in the equipment, unattached to the hose, should be introduced into the anus. Through it subsequent evacuation will occur the more easily, since the constriction of the muscle of the anus is by this means overcome. Neither pipe should be inserted at greater depth than two inches. At this stage of the operation manipulation should be made of the abdomen, following the ascending colon on the right side from the csecum to the transverse bowel, then across to the left side over the transverse portion to the descending colon, and down the latter to a position corresponding with its extremity and outlet. This is an essential that must not be neglected, since it assists peristaltic action and hastens evacuation. Never less than six or eight quarts of water should be used in giving this enema, and, if extreme discoloration in discharge still persists, even more fluid should be injected. The value of the internal bath depends upon the