Prevención de la obstrucción meconial en recién nacidos prematuros de muy bajo peso / Prevention of meconium obstruction in very low birth weight preterm infants

Introducción: El retraso en la expulsión de meconio es una causa de obstrucción intestinal en el recién nacido (RN) extremadamente prematuro (< 28 SEG) con un peso inferior a 1.500 g al nacimiento. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia del tratamiento conservador en la prevención de la obstrucción meconial en RN prematuros de muy bajo peso. Método: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo realizado en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales de un hospital de nivel terciario. Se incluyó a todos los RN prematuros extremos de bajo peso que nacieron durante el periodo del estudio, desde agosto del 2016 hasta enero del 2017, y que presentaban obstrucción meconial. Resultados: Se obtuvo una muestra de 42 RN. Respecto a la expulsión de meconio, un 57,1% de la muestra expulsó meconio de forma espontánea, mientras que un 42,9% recibió los diferentes tratamientos conservadores. De estos, un 72,2% fueron tratados con enemas de suero fisiológico. Del 27,8% restante, un 16% con enemas de N-acetilcisteína, 16% con Gastrografin(R) y ninguno precisó tratamiento quirúrgico. Conclusión: El tratamiento conservador parece ser una medida terapéutica efectiva para la prevención de la obstrucción meconial en los RN prematuros de muy bajo peso, ya que logró la expulsión de meconio sin tener que aplicar tratamiento quirúrgico

Introduction: Delayed meconium expulsion is a cause of bowel obstruction in the extremely premature newborn (< 28 WGE) weighing less than 1500 g at birth. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of conservative treatment in the prevention of meconium obstruction in very-low-birt- weight preterm infants. Method: Descriptive and retrospective study performed at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary level hospital. All very-low-birth-weight preterm infants who were born during the study period, from August 2016 to January 2017, and who had meconium obstruction were included. Results: A sample of 42 newborn infants was obtained. Regarding the expulsion of meconium, 57.1% of the sample spontaneously ejected meconium, while 42.9% received different treatments. Of these, 72.2% were treated with saline enemas, 16% with acetylcysteine enemas, 16% with Gastrografin(R) and none required surgical treatment. Conclusion: Conservative treatment seems to be an effective therapeutic measure for the prevention of meconium obstruction in very-low-birth-weight preterm infants since it achieved the expulsion of meconium without having to apply surgical treatment

Evaluación de la calidad de la técnica de enfermería "vacuidad del intestino" en Cirugía Pediátrica / Quality assessment for the nursing technique gut irrigation in children surgery

Introducción: el personal de enfermería debe estar bien entrenado en la preparación del paciente que va a ser intervenido por cirugía en afecciones gastrointestinales o con fines investigativos, para lograr una excelente vacuidad del intestino. Objetivo: evaluar la calidad de la técnica de enfermería "vacuidad del intestino" en cirugía pediátrica. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en el Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica del Hospital Provincial General Docente "Dr. Antonio Luaces Iraola" de Ciego de Ávila, en el período 2010-2013. El universo quedó constituido por 74 pacientes que requirieron limpieza del intestino. La calidad de la técnica fue evaluada de excelente, buena, regular y mala. La información se obtuvo de la historia clínica y procesada con la utilización de frecuencias absolutas y porcentajes. Resultados: el 67,56 por ciento de los niños tenía menos de seis años, el 71,62 por ciento eran del sexo masculino, el 32,43 por ciento de los pacientes fueron preparados en la limpieza del colon con fines diagnósticos y el 67,56 por ciento con fines quirúrgicos. Se evaluó de excelente el 100,00 por ciento de los procedimientos "gastroclisis para cierre de colostomía" realizados, y el 98,64 por ciento de los procedimientos "Irrigación total del intestino para otros procederes". Conclusiones: la técnica de enfermería "vacuidad del intestino" en cirugía pediátrica realizada con los procedimientos de gastroclisis y de irrigación total del intestino para otros procederes fue evaluada de calidad. La experiencia del personal de enfermería es notable, evidenciado en los excelentes resultados obtenidos(AU)

Introduction: The nursing staff should be well trained in preparing the patient to undergo surgery for surgery in gastrointestinal diseases, or research purposes for excellent bowel emptiness. Objective: To evaluate the quality of nursing technique "intestine emptiness" in pediatric surgery. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the Pediatric Surgery Provincial General Teaching Hospital "Dr. Antonio Luaces Iraola "Ciego de Avila, in the period 2010-2013. The universe was composed of 74 patients who required bowel cleansing. The quality of the data was assessed as excellent, good, fair and poor. The information was obtained from the clinical history and processed using absolute frequencies and percentages. Results: 67,56 percent of children had less than six years, 71,62 percent were male, 32,43 percent of patients were prepared in cleansing the colon for diagnostic purposes and 67,56 percent for surgical purposes. It was evaluated excellent 100,00 percent of procedures "gastroclisis colostomy closure" made, and 98,64 percent of procedures "whole bowel irrigation for other procedures." Conclusions: nursing technique "intestine emptiness" pediatric surgical procedures performed with gastroclisis and whole bowel irrigation for other procedures was assessed quality. The experience of nursing staff is remarkable, as evidenced by the excellent results obtained(AU)

Rectal drug administration in adults: how, when, why.

Administering medication per rectum can be the most appropriate route for some patients may not always be considered by health professionals. Cultural sensitivities, as well as misinformation regarding insertion methods, may be barriers to the practice. This article explains how the rectal route functions in drug absorption, clarifies when this route is appropriate to use and outlines the steps nurses should follow to prepare patients adequately and safely to carry out the procedure.

Calidad de la técnica de enfermería en la vacuidad del intestino en Cirugía Pediátrica. Cuatro años de experiencia / Quality of nursing technique on the bowel vacuity in Pediatric Surgery. Four years of experience

Introducción: El personal de enfermería debe estar bien entrenado en la preparación del paciente que va a ser intervenido por cirugía en afecciones gastrointestinales, o con fines investigativos para lograr una excelente vacuidad del intestino.Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo en el Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica del Hospital Provincial General Docente Dr. Antonio Luaces Iraola de Ciego de Ávila, en el período 2010-2013. El objetivo fue describir la experiencia de la técnica de enfermería para la vacuidad del intestino. La muestra estuvo constituida por 74 pacientes que fueron sometidos a diferentes procederes y que requirieron limpieza del intestino.Resultados: En esta serie el mayor número de casos correspondió a los menores de 6 años. Del total de los casos, 24 pacientes fueron preparados en la limpieza del colon con fines investigativos y 50 con fines quirúrgicos. La calidad de la técnica de enfermería para gastroclisis, fue excelente. En la irrigación total del intestino para otros procederes, un solo caso fue valorado de regular porque presentó como complicación una perforación interna por cuerpo extraño, se le atribuyó a la existencia de restos de material fecal.Conclusiones: La experiencia del personal de enfermería es notable, evidenciado en los excelentes resultados de la técnica de enfermería, toda vez que la técnica se realizó sin mayor dificultad y con óptimos resultados(AU)

Nurses must be well trained in the preparation of the patient who will undergo surgery in gastrointestinal disorders, or investigative purposes to achieve a great vacuity of the intestine. A retrospective descriptive observational study was carried out in Pediatric Surgery Service from General Teaching Hospital Dr. Antonio Luaces Iraola in Ciego de Avila, 2010-2013. The objective was to describe the experience of nursing technique for the intestine vacuity. The sample consisted of 74 patients that were subject to different procedures and which required intestinal cleaning. In this series the greatest number of cases corresponded to children under 6 years. From the total of cases, 24 patients were prepared for the cleaning of colon with research purposes and 50 patients for surgical purposes. The quality of nursing technique for gastroclysis, was excellent. In the intestine irrigation to other procedures, a single case was valued as regular because it presented as complication an internal perforation by foreign body, was attributed to the existence of traces of fecal material. The experience of the nursing staff is notable, evidenced in the excellent results of nursing technique, every time, the technique was carried out without difficulty and with excellent results(AU)

Milk and molasses enemas: clearing things up.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to describe current nursing practice and clarify the safest and most effective dose of milk and molasses enemas used to relieve constipation in pediatric patients presenting to a suburban pediatric emergency department. METHODS: We surveyed emergency nurses about current practice in administration of milk and molasses enemas. In addition, we identified consecutive patients aged 2 to 17 years with a discharge diagnosis of constipation or abdominal pain between 2009 and 2012. Stable patients were included from the emergency department, in the absence of chronic medical conditions. For each patient, we recorded demographic characteristics, chief complaint, nursing administration technique, stool output, patient tolerance, side effects, amount of enema given, and patient disposition. RESULTS: We identified 500 patients with abdominal pain or constipation, 87 of whom were later excluded. Milk and molasses enemas were found to be effective at relieving constipation in our population, with a success rate averaging 88% in patients given 5 to 6 mL/kg with an institutional guideline maximum of 135 mL. The success rate was found to vary with age, along with the amount of enema given. DISCUSSION: Our nursing survey showed that varying practice exists regarding technique and dosing of milk and molasses enemas. Historical chart review showed that milk and molasses enemas in our emergency department were safe and effective with minimal side effects.

[Treatment for fecal incontinence in patients with anorectal malformations. Introduction of a therapeutic approach]. / Therapie der Inkontinenz am Beispiel anorektaler Fehlbildungen Vorstellung eines Behandlungskonzepts.

UNLABELLED: Fecal incontinence is a serious problem that may lead to social segregation and psychological problems. Patients with anorectal malformations frequently suffer fecal incontinence even with an excellent anatomic repair. In these patients an effective management program with enemas can improve their quality of life. We want to present our experience with bowel management and anorectal irrigation as treatment for stool incontinence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who presented with soiling regardless of the type of anomaly were included in the study. The diagnostic program comprised a careful clinical history, physical examination, exact classification of the malformation and stool protocol. All patients suffering from true fecal incontinence were included in a bowel management program. These patients received oral polyethylenglykol to evacuate stool impaction. Than anorectal irrigation was initiated and repeated every 24 or 48 hours. Patients were controlled for soiling, time needed for irrigation and time interval between irrigations 6 and 12 months after start oftherapy. RESULTS: 40 patients aged 4 to 54 with a mean age of 15,95 years were evaluated. 12 months after start of therapy 32 patients were free of symptoms of soiling. 6 patients were soiling occasionally once or twice per week. 2 patients did not follow the therapeutic regime and therefore did not show an improved condition concerning soiling in the long run. The average time needed for irrigation was 45 minutes, irrigations where done every 24 hours in 12 patients. 25 patients irrigated twice every 48 and 72 hours to achieve a constant seven day rhythm. One patient irrigated every five days. DISCUSSION: Patients born with anorectal malformation and suffering from stool incontinece can be kept clean of stool if they are subjected to an adequate treatment.

[Phosphate containing enemas: one undervalued risky practice? The management of an adverse event]. / Gli enteroclismi a base di fosfati: una pratica rischiosa sottovalutata? La gestione di un evento avverso.

INTRODUCTION: The phosphate-containing enemas are widely used, both to manage constipation and as a preparation for endoscopic procedures and surgery in adults and children. Many studies report that the use of these laxatives can be dangerous. OBJECTIVE: To identify possible prevention strategies starting from a severe adverse reaction due to repeated administrations of phosphate enemas. METHODS: A working group was started, the literature was reviewed and recommendations for an appropriate use of enemas were discussed and implemented, to improve patients' safety. RESULTS: Phosphate-containing enemas were replaced with 125 ml water enemas; recommendations were spread to strongly limit the use of phosphate containing enemas and the use of laxative in the first and second semester of 2012, were confronted showing a change in habits and a reduction in the use of phosphate containing enemas. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of several strategies, originated from an adverse event, succeeded in modifying the use of laxatives and phosphate-containing enemas.

Rectal irrigation for patients with functional bowel disorders.

Functional bowel disorders encompass a number of symptoms including abdominal, pelvic and/or anal pain, bloating, nausea, disturbed bowel function, faecal urgency or incontinence, straining to evacuate bowels, incomplete emptying and constipation. This article examines the causes and effects of functional bowel problems on patients' quality of life. It provides an overview of the treatment options and clinical management of these conditions, focusing on biofeedback and rectal irrigation. The author reports results from a small scale audit at her hospital and concludes that rectal irrigation is a valuable treatment option for patients with functional bowel disorders.

Universal lessons learned by a gastroenterologist from a deaf and mute patient: the importance of nonverbal communication and establishing patient rapport and trust.

Deaf and mute patients may require minimal extra attention to establish trust and allay anxieties before minor medical maneuvers such as rectal examination. An extreme case is reported of the consequences from failure to accomplish this. A generally cooperative deaf and mute patient struggled and suffered a rectal tear and perforation during enema insertion that required emergency colorectal surgery; his nurse had failed to establish a trusting relationship before enema insertion. Ironically, the patient's physician had earlier easily performed digital rectal examination, a similar medical maneuver, with patient cooperation after establishing patient rapport. This report demonstrates the importance of treating individuals with disabilities like everyone else in addressing anxieties before medical maneuvers. The health care worker has the same responsibility of calming the patient, whether deaf or not; the sole difference is that communication between deaf and hearing requires greater skill and patience.

Management principles of organic causes of childhood constipation.

Constipation is extremely common in the pediatric population; however, it is a symptom and not a disease. Organic causes of constipation include Hirschprung's disease, anorectal malformation, and spina bifida. This article also discusses constipation and urinary tract pathology and dysfunction. The function of the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts are intertwined, and this concept will assist the practitioner in managing patients accordingly. Children and adolescents who experience bowel dysfunction require patience and sensitive support from their health care providers so that they can live productive and emotionally healthy lives.

Rectal irrigation in the management of functional bowel disorders: a review.

Faecal incontinence and constipation are examples of functional bowel disorders that can lead to distressing psychological and physical symptoms which seriously impact upon quality of life. Rectal irrigation has been introduced as a treatment option for such patients. This article critically reviews and evaluates the current evidence on the effectiveness of rectal irrigation as a management option for functional bowel disorders. The review was conducted using BIOSIS, AHMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Web of Knowledge. From 1051 articles identified through the literacy search, only nine were specifically concerned with the evaluation of rectal irrigation as a treatment option for functional bowel disorders. The results of the literature review do indicate that rectal irrigation could be a successful treatment option for some people, however, variations between studies and methodological limitations mean evidence of the effectiveness of rectal irrigation is lacking.

Examining bowel preparation before flexible sigmoidoscopy.

AIM: To investigate bowel preparation for a flexible sigmoidoscopy, particularly the procedure for the administration of a phosphate enema and patient expectation to 'wait as long as they can' before the urge to rush to the toilet. METHOD: A survey approach was used with a questionnaire recording the time to toilet after the enema and level of bowel clearance. RESULTS: Over half of participants (24 of 40) chose to use the toilet immediately. Bowel clearance was reported as good in 32 of the 40 participants and side-effects were reduced. CONCLUSION: Giving patients choice when to visit the toilet after an enema improved their experience and achieved good bowel clearance for the procedures. Further research should be undertaken due to the small size of the study.

Enema prior to labor: a controversial routine in Taiwan.

While taking an enema to induce labor is a controversial issue worldwide, in Taiwan it remains a routine procedure in many hospitals in preparation for birth. Episiotomy is also a prevalent procedure performed during the birthing process. Some physicians believe that enemas help reduce the risk of feces contamination of the episiotomy incision and, therefore, are justified as a routine procedure. This study compared the neonatal infection rates, times to appearance of fetal head, times to first post-labor bowel movement, and rates of episiotomy dehiscence of women receiving a pre-labor enema against those who did not. A total of 534 women classified with low-risk pregnancies were recruited from a medical center in central Taiwan and assigned randomly into one of two groups for a six-month period. The first group (264 subjects) received routine enema procedures prior to delivery in the first 6 months. The second group (270 subjects) did not receive enemas. Study results revealed no significant difference between enema and non-enema groups in terms of infection rates in mothers or infants or in terms of average time to fetal head appearance. While labor duration was the same for the two groups in the first and third stages of labor, the enema group experienced a relatively shorter second stage. No significant difference was observed in times to first post-labor bowel movement or episiotomy dehiscence rates. The results of this study indicate that the administration of enemas as a routine practice prior to labor is not substantiated by medical necessity. However, limitations of the research design suggest that a randomized clinical trial be adopted in the future to explore further the scientific validity of study results.