Carli Elena, Fonzi Elisabetta, Moltrer Franco, Mon Elisabetta, Miori Gianni, Brunori Giuliano, Campomori Annalisa
SC Medicina - Struttura Ospedaliera di Tione (TN), Italy.
Assist Inferm Ric. 2013 Apr-Jun;32(2):84-91. doi: 10.1702/1304.14418.
The phosphate-containing enemas are widely used, both to manage constipation and as a preparation for endoscopic procedures and surgery in adults and children. Many studies report that the use of these laxatives can be dangerous.
To identify possible prevention strategies starting from a severe adverse reaction due to repeated administrations of phosphate enemas.
A working group was started, the literature was reviewed and recommendations for an appropriate use of enemas were discussed and implemented, to improve patients' safety.
Phosphate-containing enemas were replaced with 125 ml water enemas; recommendations were spread to strongly limit the use of phosphate containing enemas and the use of laxative in the first and second semester of 2012, were confronted showing a change in habits and a reduction in the use of phosphate containing enemas.
The implementation of several strategies, originated from an adverse event, succeeded in modifying the use of laxatives and phosphate-containing enemas.
