Six Quart High Enemas

Recently I had a colonoscopy. It was reported that I had impacted material in the upper regions of my colon. This was in spite of the fact that I have regularly taken enemas of 4 quarts of normal saline two or three times a week for many years, to relieve my IBS.

Sometimes, after one or two enemas of 4 quarts, I have ventured to take large and very uncomfortable enemas of 5 quarts. I have always been most surprised that I usually expelled a considerable quantity of additional foul debris. This seems to indicate that I really do need to benefit from larger enemas.

I have come across the following references to six quart (liter) enemas from the early 1900’s:-

The intestine of an adult will safely hold 6 liters.
From Diseases of the Intestine – John. C. Hemmeter – 1902.

Injections of water are used for determining the capacity of the colon. The normal capacity of the large bowel is about six quarts, therefore if six quarts can be introduced by a fountain syringe, there is no obstruction in the colon; and if less than four quarts can be introduced there is probably some obstruction. From Diagnostic Therapeutics – Albert Abrahams 1910 Page 550.

The capacity of the large intestine of adults is about six quarts (liters).
From The Practice of Medicine – James Tyson – 1907 Page 416..

The normal capacity of the large bowel is 6 quarts.
From Diagnostic Therapeutics – Albert Abrams – 1910

A six quart enema is required to completely fill the large intestine, and leakage of fluid through the ileo-cecal valve into the small intestine is rare.
From Diseases of the Digestive Organs – Charles D. Aaron – 1921

The following, more recent reference, defines a high enemas as consisting of close to 6 liters, but warns that there is some risk involved in taking these at home:-

The High Enema - In the high enema the water is forced much further up the bowels and some ten pints [10 Imperial pints = 6 liters] of water are used, but it is wise to get this treatment under professional care, otherwise it is possible to do harm. Many people feel this type of apparatus holds the key to their health and are very disappointed when they are unable to get such treatment. Although unwilling to condemn this attitude entirely, I feel that better results could be had by a closer attention to diet. From About the Water Cure - Russel Sneddon 1965.

A number of suppliers advertise 6 quart enemas bags, often including a balloon retention nozzle.

Do you think that it is safe to take the full 6 quarts at home, in the absence of serious bowel pathology?