Hernias are not an extraordinary occurrence -- over 700,000 Americans have hernia repairs annually, states Harvard Medical School. A hernia occurs anywhere on the body where a muscle is weakened and the underlying organ can protrude, but is most common in the groin and abdomen. Depending upon the type of hernia operation, location and surgeon, a bowel cleanse may be prescribed prior to surgery. This bowel cleansing is not advised for everyone; consult with a physician prior to attempting any bowel cleanse regiment at home.
Diet, Laxative or Enema
Step 1
Eat a modified diet for one to three days prior to surgery following doctor's orders, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. A diet consisting of only clear liquids is sometimes prescribed to empty the intestines of solids. During this time frame, the surgical candidate should only consume clear liquids, such as water, broth, gelatin and sports drinks. Tea and coffee are allowed, assuming there are no additives such as honey, creamer, milk or sugars. Medicines should not be stopped without discussion with the surgeon.
Step 2
Drink the oral laxative or swallow the laxative tablet the night prior to surgery or as ordered by the physician. Laxatives are medications or solutions that stimulate a bowel movement. They come in different forms -- oral solutions, tablets and rectal suppositories are traditional forms of laxatives. For oral solutions and tablets, follow the doctor's orders and take the solution or tablet exactly as prescribed.
Step 3
Remove the wrapping or foil cover on the rectal suppository. Rectal suppositories may be ordered in place of oral laxatives. Apply a drop of water-soluble lubricant to ease insertion of the suppository into the rectum. Lying in a fetal position, insert the suppository into the rectum until it is just past the sphincter. A feeling of needing to have a bowel movement is common immediately after insertion. Dependent on the medication, most suppositories will stimulate a bowel movement within 15 minutes of insertion.
Step 4
Remove the enema kit from the package and gather necessary supplies of room temperature tap water and water-soluble lubricant. The enema kits typically contain a large, clear plastic bag with connected tubing and lubricant. Fill the enema big with simple room temperature tap water up to the premeasured indication line -- not too hot and not too cold -- unless directed to do otherwise. Clamp the tubing so the enema does not begin to flow prior to insertion into the rectum.Apply a dime-sized drop of lubricant onto the end of the plastic tubing for insertion comfort. Lying comfortably on your side, gently ease the end of the tubing into the rectum until the perforations, or holes, in the tubing are inside the rectum. Raise the bag of fluids at or just above body level; raising the bag too high will cause an uncomfortable rush of fluids into the rectum. Release the clamp on the tubing and insert the prescribed amount of tap water. Clamp and remove the tubing from the rectum and dispose of it in the regular garbage.
Tips and Warnings
- Not all physicians order tap water enemas for the night prior to surgery.
- Do not use a bowel cleansing preparation unless told to do so by the surgeon.
Things You'll Need
- Clear liquids
- Oral or rectal laxative
- Tap water
- Lubricant
- Enema bag
