Why do I need a microenema?
Having a microenema before your radiotherapy treatment each day, can help us make sure:
- Your treatment is accurate/given to the right area;
- Your side-effects are kept to a minimum.
If your rectum (back passage) is full when you have your radiotherapy treatment, the rectum will bulge into the treatment area. This will cause your side-effects to be worse.
It is important to tell your radiographer
If you think your rectum is not empty before treatment each day.
What do I need to do?
You need to have an empty rectum for your planning scan and each treatment.
A microenema will help make sure your rectum is empty. You will be given a pack of microenemas at your planning scan appointment if you need to use them.
The radiographer will ask you if you have an inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s, or are allergic to any of the following ingredients:
- sodium citrate,
- sodium lauryl sulphate,
- sorbitol.
Step 1 Using your microenema
- Take an enema tube from the packet and go into the toilet. Please use the toilets off the main radiotherapy reception area to administer your microenema.
- Pull or twist the cap off the end of the nozzle.
- Squeeze a drop of liquid onto your finger and smear over the nozzle, this will help to avoid hurting your back passage.
- Gently push the full length of the nozzle into your back passage.
- Gently squeeze the tube until it is empty.
- It is very important to keep squeezing the tube as you pull the nozzle out of your back passage. This is to stop the medicine being drawn back into the tube.
- Throw the empty tube into the bin provided and wash your hands.
- Go back into the waiting room. Your enema can take from 15-45 minutes to work.
- Do not drink any fluids after taking your enema.
- Go back into the toilet and try to empty your bowels. Please don’t strain and don’t worry if you cannot empty your bowels or if only wind is passed – it may be that your back passage is already empty.
- If you have not emptied your bowel after 45 minutes ask the reception staff to contact a radiographer.
- Empty your bladder at the same time.
Important
Bring two enemas each day in case you need to use a second. Let us know when you’re running short of supplies.
When you are on treatment please bring a spare microenema with you in case of delays.
Side-effects of microenemas
Microenemas do not usually cause any side-effects but occasionally they may cause a slight feeling of cramp. If you have been using microenemas for a long time they may cause;
- a slight burning feeling in your rectum,
- diarrhoea,
- irritation of back passage,
- can reduce the absorption of vitamins from food.
Frequently asked questions
What if there is a delay?
If it has been more than two hours since you emptied your bowels please tell the radiographers. You may need to use another microenema.
What if I use hospital transport?
If you are travelling by hospital or public transport and you do not feel comfortable or able to use the microenema before travelling, you may prefer to use the microenema at the hospital.
What if I find this difficult?
If you have trouble using the microenema, please tell your radiographer, nurse or doctor.
Is there anything else I can do to help my treatment?
We recommend that you drink plenty of fluids throughout your course of treatment. Please do not be tempted to miss meals. This will not help to keep your rectum empty.
What if I have a question?
If you have any questions about using the microenema, please contact the:
Macmillan Uro-Oncology Nurse Specialist
Available: Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm.
For further information about radiotherapy in general, please visit the information lounge in the radiotherapy department.