Rectal feeding is used when the other organs of digestion are impaired to such an extent as to render the need of more food obligatory. Many investigators believe that rectal feeding is absolutely useless, while others have firm faith in its efficacy.
Technique of Rectal Feeding.—The rectum should be cleansed by flushing with a soapsuds enema one hour before the nutrient enema is given. This should be done once a day, in the morning. The cleansing enema may be either soapsuds, a solution of bicarbonate of soda, or boric acid (1 teaspoonful to the pint), or a saline solution. When there is much mucus, or if the rectum is inflamed, the soda or boric acid solution may be more soothing than the saline or soapsuds enema. After one hour’s rest the patient should be given a nutrient enema.
The method of administering nourishment through the rectum is important. A nutrient enema injected only into the lower bowel not only does no good, but may actually cause a good deal of unnecessary discomfort to the patient.
Temperature of Enema.—Care must be taken not to have the temperature of the nutrient enema too hot or too cold or it will be promptly rejected. The patient is placed on the side with one knee flexed; the solution is poured into a fountain syringe bag or an enamel container (heat the container before pouring the solution into it or the latter will be chilled). The bag or container has attached to it a rubber tube with a cock adjusted so that only a small stream will flow in at a time. To the end of this tube a rubber rectal tube or catheter—1 cm. (about ½ inch)—is attached. This should be well greased (do not use glycerin as this substance is irritating to the mucous lining of the rectum). The liquid should be allowed to fill the tube before it is inserted into the rectum, to prevent any air passing in with it. The tube should be inserted with a gentle twisting movement, using very little force or the tender mucous membranes will be injured. Insert the tube twelve or more inches, since the solution is more completely absorbed if given high up in the bowel. The bag containing the solution should be held only a few inches higher than the rectum, thus allowing only a small stream to pass in and allowing an air space above the stream for the passage of gas which may be accumulated in the upper part of the rectum. The tube should be allowed to remain in the rectum for fifteen or twenty minutes, then very gently withdrawn to prevent the liquid from being rejected. A pad of gauze may be pressed against the anus to assist the patient in retaining the enema. It is well to divert the attention of the patient also, to further assist her in retaining the liquid.
Duration of Rectal Feeding.—Rectal feeding cannot be substituted for a great length of time, first, because the patient cannot absorb sufficient nourishment in this way to fully cover the body requirements, and, second, because the rectum becomes more or less sensitive and will reject the liquid before it has an opportunity to be absorbed. From three to four nutrient enemas a day is about the limit for the average patient. Between the nutrient enemas it is advisable to give one of saline solution.
The following régime is practiced during the “Total Abstinence Period” in the treatment of gastric ulcer: 7 A.M., cleansing enema; 8 A.M., nutrient enema; 1 P.M., nutrient enema; 3 P.M., saline enema; 6 P.M., nutrient enema. One saline and one nutrient enema may be given during the night if the patient is very weak. She should not be wakened, however, to be given the enema.
Feeding by Inunction.—This method consists in the rubbing into the body of certain nutrient oils, such as olive oil, cocoanut oil, cocoa butter, etc. It is of little value, but is occasionally resorted to with very much emaciated and underfed infants, when digestional disorders make it impossible to introduce enough food by mouth to cover the needs of the body.
SPECIAL DIETS
There are a number of diets formulated to meet the various normal and abnormal conditions. In hospitals these are classified as follows, for the convenience of both nurse and doctor:
House Diet.—That which is served to the hospital staff, the nurses, and those patients not requiring special diets.