Summary
A case of Hirschsprung’s disease in a 21-year-old man is reported. Hemoconcentration and hyperkalemia occurred after a soap-and-water enema. A possible mechanism of this phenomenon is discussed, and the significance of water intoxication is questioned.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Fonkalsrud, E. W., and J. Keen: Hypernatremic dehydration from hypertonic enemas in congenital megacolon. J.A.M.A.199: 584, 1967.
Galbraith, W. W.: Severe rectal injuries caused by enema given through rigid nozzle. Brit. Med. J.1: 859, 1937.
Helwig, F. C., C. B. Schutz, and D. E. Curry: Water intoxication: Report of a fatal human case, with clinical, pathologic and experimental studies. J.A.M.A.104: 1569, 1935.
Hiatt, R. B.: The pathologic physiology of congenital megacolon. Ann. Surg.133: 313, 1951.
Jolleys, A.: Death following a barium enema in a child with Hirschsprung’s disease. Brit. Med. J.1: 692, 1952.
Levinson, M. E.: Water intoxication in congenital megacolon. Am. J. Digest. Dis.21: 149, 1954.
Lewis, A. E.: Dangers inherent in soap enemas. Pacific Med. Surg.73: 131, 1965.
Moncrieff, A., and T. V. Crichlow: Dolichocolon and Hirschsprung’s disease. Arch. Dis. Child.19: 34, 1944.
Nixon, H. H.: Megacolon and other congenital anomalies of the colon.In Goligher, J. C.: Surgery of the Anus, Rectum and Colon, first edition. Springfield, Illinois, Charles C Thomas, 1961, chapter 12, p. 305.
Nixon, H. H.: Hirschsprung’s disease. Nursing Times.61: 125, 1965.
Pinnock, D. D.: Dangerous rectal trauma due to a rigid nozzle. Lancet.1: 205, 1937.
Richards, M. R., and R. B. Hiatt: Untoward effects of enemata in congenital megacolon. Pediatrics.12: 253, 1953.
Smith, D.: Severe anaphylactic reaction after a soap enema. Brit. Med. J.4: 215, 1967.
State, D.: Surgical treatment for idiopathic congenital megacolon (Hirschsprung’s disease). Surg. Gynec. Obstet.95: 201, 1952.
State, D.: Segmental colon resection in the treatment of congenital megacolon (Hirschsprung’s disease). Am. J. Surg.105: 93, 1963.
Steinbach, H. L., R. H. Rosenberg, M. Grossman, and T. L. Nelson: The potential hazard of enemas in patients with Hirschsprung’s disease. Radiology64: 45, 1954.
Walker, T. J., and J. Griffiths: Congenital dilatation and hypertrophy of the colon fatal at the age of 11 years. Brit. Med. J.2: 230, 1893.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Medical student.
Professor of Surgery.
About this article
Cite this article
Young, J.F., Cave, D. & Brooke, B.N. Enema shock in hirschsprung’s disease. Dis Colon Rectum 11, 391–395 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02616994
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02616994