Use of Mannitol for Treating Constipation
Mannitol enema therapy for constipation. Patient lies on the left side. Lubricate a sterilized catheter thoroughly with paraffin oil, then insert it 10–30 cm into the anus. Slowly inject 200 ml of 10% mannitol solution (50–100 ml for children) using a syringe. Withdraw the catheter and lie quietly.
Some have used this method to treat 95 constipation cases with satisfactory results. Mannitol is a non-absorbable osmotic laxative. High-concentration mannitol introduced into the intestine draws water from the intestinal wall into the lumen, increasing intestinal content moisture. About 15–30 minutes after enema, a strong urge to defecate appears, followed by rapid expulsion of large amounts of stool—first dry, then loose. This method overcomes the drawback of traditional large-volume soap water or saline enemas, where patients feel urgent need to defecate immediately.
<Treatment of Constipation>