Why left lateral position for enema

The lateral decubitus abdominal radiograph is used to identify free intraperitoneal gas (pneumoperitoneum). It can be performed when the patient is unable to be transferred to, or other imaging modalities (e.g. CT) are not available. The most useful position for detecting free intraperitoneal air is the left lateral decubitus position.

To assess for a pneumoperitoneum when other imaging modalities are unfeasible for technical or availability reasons.

• the patient is lying on either the left (left lateral decubitus) or right (right lateral decubitus) side
  • the left lateral decubitus is preferred as any free intraperitoneal gas will be contrasted by the liver
• the detector can be placed anteriorly or posteriorly
• patient's hands should be raised to avoid superimposing on the region of interest; legs may be flexed for balance
• rotation of shoulders or pelvis should be minimized, but not as critical as on other abdominal radiographic views
• patients should be changed into a hospital gown, with radiopaque items (e.g. belts, zippers) removed
• x-ray is often performed on expiration however this will depend on department protocols 

• lateral decubitus
• centering point
  • midsagittal place (xiphisternum) just superior to the iliac crest
• collimation
  • laterally to the elevated lateral abdominal wall (e.g. right side for a left lateral decubitus x-ray)
  • superior to the diaphragm
  • inferior to the inferior pubic rami
• orientation
• detector size
• exposure
• SID
• grid

• it is essential that the elevated lateral abdominal wall is included on the image to detect any free intraperitoneal gas.
• there should be no blurring of the bowel gas due to respiratory motion.

These x-rays are often performed as mobile examinations as the patient is too unwell to travel to the radiology department.

The lateral decubitus x-ray may be more useful than the PA erect view for detecting intraperitoneal free gas 1.

• 1. Roh J, Thompson J, Harned R, Hodgson P. Value of Pneumoperitoneum in the Diagnosis of Visceral Perforation. Am J Surg. 1983;146(6):830-3. doi:10.1016/0002-9610(83)90353-7

Last Update: May 30, 2022

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Position the patient on left side, lying with the knees drawn to the abdomen (Fig 2). This eases the passage and flow of fluid into the rectum. Gravity and the anatomical structure of the sigmoid colon also suggest that this will aid enema distribution and retention.

On which side should the patient lie for an enema?

Lie on your left hand side, on the towel, with your knees bent up toward your chest as far as comfortable. 4. Gently push the nozzle about 7cm (3in) into your anus.

How are enemas given in hospital?

Enemas utilize a solution of salt water that is placed into a bag on one side of the tube. The other portion is lubed and placed directly into the rectum. In order for the solution to reach the colon properly, hug your knees to your chest while lying on your stomach or on your side.

How do you administer an enema?

Lie on your side on the towel, and pull your knees under your abdomen and chest. Gently insert the lubricated tube up to 4 inches into your rectum. Once the tube is secure, gently squeeze the contents of the enema bag or allow it to flow into your body with gravity's help. When the bag is empty, slowly remove the tube.

What side do you lay on for a colonic?

Sleep on Your Left Side

That's correct – the small intestine moves waste to your right side to make its way to the large intestine and then to the lower colon on the left side. This increases the likelihood of having your bowel movement first thing in the morning.

28 related questions found

It usually causes a bowel movement after 1 to 5 minutes.Do not use this medication in children younger than 2 years of age.

Directing the tube toward his umbilicus, insert it slowly and smoothly 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm). Ask him to breathe deeply through his mouth (to relax his internal anal sphincter). Raise the enema container 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) above his rectum and open the clamp.

The body can become reliant on enemas to pass stool, and the muscles in the gut may weaken over time. It may become difficult to pass stool naturally, and in some cases, enema overuse could cause incontinence. Frequent constipation can indicate a medical condition.

Examples of home remedies to soften stools include:

1. Abdominal massage. Sometimes a stomach massage can help stimulate the bowels if they're not moving enough to help stool digest more quickly. ...
2. Drink more water. ...
3. Eat more fiber. ...
4. Avoid empty-calorie, low-fiber foods. ...
5. Exercise.

You can make a homemade saline solution by adding 2 level teaspoons of table salt to a quart of lukewarm distilled water. Do not use soapsuds, hydrogen peroxide, or plain water as an enema. They can be dangerous.

Enemas are typically the last course of action in treatment for constipation because of possible side effects. They can be safe to perform at home as long as you use safe types of fluids and sterilized tools, such as a home enema kit. But most home enema methods are not recommended to be performed at home.

The repeated use of enemas can, over time, cause serious problems, such as: Weakening the muscles of the intestine so you're dependent on enemas to have a bowel movement.

The enema can be used up to three days in a row before consulting a physician. If you have not received relief after three days of use, please contact your doctor. Using more than one enema within 24 hours can be harmful.

Use the enema about one hour before you leave home for the test. Do not eat for at least 30 minutes before using the enema. Do not eat after using it. You will be able to eat straight after the test.

What are the side effects of Fleet Enema (Sodium Biphosphate And Sodium Phosphate (Oral))?

• no bowel movement within 30 minutes after use;
• rectal bleeding or bright red bowel movements; or.
• dehydration symptoms--dizziness, vomiting, thirst, little or no urinating.

Epsom salt. This is similar to a water or saline enema, but magnesium-rich Epsom salt is said to be more effective at relaxing bowel muscles and relieving constipation. Sodium phosphate. This is a common over-the-counter enema that works by irritating your rectum, causing it to expand and release waste.

1. Drink plenty of water every day to prevent dehydration.
2. Drink other fluids, such as prune juice, coffee, and tea, that act as natural laxatives.
3. Eat foods that are high in fiber, such as whole wheat, pears, oats, and vegetables.

Poop that is hard and shaped like tiny rocks or pebbles is likely just a sign of constipation. You can still be considered constipated even if you are able to pass a small amount of stool. The large intestine helps to concentrate waste by absorbing water.

Dr. Islam gives us three definitions of the elusive ghost poop: 1) the urge to poop that ends up only being gas, 2) a poop so smooth that it went down the drain before you could see it, and lastly 3) a visible poop in the toilet, but zero poop marks on your toilet paper after wiping.

Some popular brands include bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax, Feen-a-Mint), and sennosides (Ex-Lax, Senokot). Prunes (dried plums) are also an effective colonic stimulant and taste good, too. Note: Don't use stimulant laxatives daily or regularly.

A warm mineral oil enema is often used to soften and lubricate the stool. However, enemas alone are not enough to remove a large, hardened impaction in most cases. The mass may have to be broken up by hand.

One method is using your fingers to manually remove the stool from your rectum. This is sometimes called digital disimpaction or manual elimination. Using your fingers to remove stool can be helpful when you're not getting relief from other relief techniques.

Median glycerin volume required was 30 ml, with only 4 patients using more than this amount. Median tap water volume required in addition to glycerin was 50 ml, with only 5 patients using more than 60 ml.

Fleet Enema should cause you to have a bowel movement within 1 to 5 minutes. Do not use more than 1 enema in any 24-hour period. If you do not get any results within 30 minutes after using this medicine, call your doctor before using another dose.

It won't go away on its own, and it can lead to death if it's allowed to worsen. The most common treatment for a fecal impaction is an enema, which is special fluid that your doctor inserts into your rectum to soften your stool.