Dimethyl polysiloxane enema in diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the colon

Summary and Conclusions

The silicone oil has a high viscosity which produces a bolus effect greater than liquids of a lower molecular weight.

It has been demonstrated experimentally that 15 to 25 cc. instilled into the rectum is sufficient to cause the urge to defecate. The luminal contents, aided by the silicone oils, are freed to move and the force generated by the intestinal walls is utilized in movement and not neutralized by a rise in intraluminal pressure.

The protective coating produced by adherence of the silicone oil is of particular value in patients with hemorrhoids, proctitis and anal fissures. The areas of pathologic involvement are protected from contact with the fecal stream. This aids in the prevention of further irritation brought about by this contact.

Introduction into the field of medicine of the totally synthetic silicones (long chain polymers) has provided many opportunities for improved therapy. This improvement includes treatment of dysuria of varied etiology, treatment of postoperative gaseous distention, replacement of various conduits of the body by silicone tubes, and prevention of the adherence of blood to silicone-coated tubing. Dimethyl polysiloxane used as an oil retention enema caused no ill effects. The excellent functional results were explained on the basis of the unusual physical properties of these materials. Fecal evacuation was complete. The lubricating effect of the silicones aided passage of the fecal mass without undue straining.