Mechanical lavage of rectum and lower bowel

Mechanical lavage of rectum and lower bowel is a procedure involving the introduction of fluid (usually saline or water) into the rectum and colon via a catheter or tube inserted through the anus, with the purpose of washing out fecal material, relieving constipation, reducing inflammation, or preparing for surgery or diagnostic exams. It may also be used in pediatric or adult patients to manage certain conditions (e.g., Hirschsprung’s disease, chronic constipation, some colorectal surgeries)[1][2][3][5][7][8][9]. This is considered a supportive or symptomatic treatment and not a molecular drug target or therapeutic protein.

Other names

Bowel washRectal washoutColonic lavageRectal irrigationColonic irrigation

No drug mechanism; procedure works via mechanical removal of fecal matter, stimulation of peristalsis, and sometimes local medication delivery