Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
Sucralfate enemas are a treatment for irritation inside the back passage (rectum).
This can happen after radiotherapy and is called radiation proctitis.The enema can help stop bleeding caused by this irritation. Treatment may last for up to 24 weeks, but you can stop once the bleeding has gone.
This page explains how to use the enema yourself.
Getting ready
- Wash your hands.
- Clear a clean space in your bedroom or bathroom.
- Shake the enema bottle.
- Take off the bottle cap.
- Unwrap the nozzle and fix it to the bottle.
- Remove the cover from the nozzle.
How to give the enema
- Lie on your left side on your bed. Bend your knees towards your chest.
- Hold the enema bottle in one hand. With the other hand, gently guide the tip into your back passage (anus).
- Squeeze the bottle slowly until all the liquid goes in.
- Keep the bottle squeezed as you take it out.
After putting it in
- Try to keep the liquid inside for as long as you can.
- It may make you feel like you need the toilet, but try to hold it.
- To help the medicine coat your bowel, lie for about 5 minutes in each position:
- On your left side
- On your back
- On your right side
- On your front
If you can, stay on your front for longer. This helps cover the area that often bleeds the most.
Extra tips
- You may need the toilet after.
- Use a small pad in your underwear if there is leakage.
- Use the enema twice a day (or as your doctor tells you).
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Pharmacy service.
About this information
Service:
Pharmacy
Reference:
S/021
Approval date:
30 September 2025
Review date:
9 January 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.