Illustration of a digestive system with Gastrografin resolving a fecal impaction, symbolizing effective constipation treatment.

Gastrografin vs. Enemas: A Revolutionary Approach to Severe Constipation

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New Research Reveals a Superior Treatment for Fecal Impaction, Offering Relief and Improved Quality of Life."

Constipation, a common ailment, can significantly impact daily life, causing discomfort and distress. For those experiencing severe constipation, fecal impaction can lead to significant pain and potential complications. Traditional treatments, such as enemas, have been the go-to solution, but a recent study sheds light on a more effective and potentially more comfortable alternative.

This research, published in the ANZ Journal of Surgery, explores the use of Gastrografin, a water-soluble contrast agent, in managing fecal impaction. The study compared Gastrografin administered through a nasointestinal tube with the traditional enema method. The results offer new hope for individuals struggling with severe constipation, suggesting a more efficient and patient-friendly treatment option.

This article delves into the findings of the study, providing insights into the benefits of Gastrografin, the methodology used, and the implications for patients and healthcare professionals alike. We will explore how this research could revolutionize the treatment of severe constipation, offering a path to quicker relief and a better quality of life.

Unveiling the Study: Gastrografin's Superiority in Fecal Impaction Treatment

Illustration of a digestive system with Gastrografin resolving a fecal impaction, symbolizing effective constipation treatment.

The study, a randomized clinical trial, involved 83 patients with severe chronic constipation and fecal impaction. The participants were divided into two groups: one receiving Gastrografin via a nasointestinal tube and the other receiving enemas. The researchers meticulously tracked various factors, including the time to resolution of the impaction, the severity of constipation, and the overall patient experience. This head-to-head comparison provides a clear picture of each treatment's effectiveness.

The results were striking. The Gastrografin group showed a significantly higher success rate in disimpaction compared to the enema group. Moreover, the mean duration of impaction resolution was considerably shorter in the Gastrografin group. This data points to Gastrografin's potential as a more efficient method for treating fecal impaction, offering quicker relief and a faster return to normal bowel function.

Faster Relief: Gastrografin led to a significantly quicker resolution of fecal impaction.
Improved Stool Consistency: Patients in the Gastrografin group experienced improved stool consistency.
Reduced Constipation Severity: Gastrografin was associated with a notable decrease in constipation severity.
Enhanced Quality of Life: The treatment improved the patients' overall quality of life.

In addition to the primary outcome, the study also evaluated the impact of each treatment on patient comfort and well-being. The findings indicated that Gastrografin not only resolved the impaction more quickly but also improved stool consistency, reduced constipation severity, and enhanced the patients' overall quality of life. These comprehensive results underscore Gastrografin's potential as a more effective and patient-friendly treatment option.

A New Era in Constipation Treatment

The study's findings mark a significant step forward in the treatment of severe constipation and fecal impaction. Gastrografin, delivered through a nasointestinal tube, offers a promising alternative to traditional enemas, providing faster relief and a better overall experience for patients. As research continues, this innovative approach holds the potential to transform the way healthcare professionals manage this challenging condition, improving the lives of countless individuals suffering from severe constipation.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1111/ans.14863, Alternate LINK

Title: Use Of Gastrografin In The Management Of Faecal Impaction In Patients With Severe Chronic Constipation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: ANZ Journal of Surgery

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Lili Gu, Chao Ding, Hongliang Tian, Bo Yang, Xuelei Zhang, Yue Hua, Jianfeng Gong, Ning Li

Published: 2018-10-08

Everything You Need To Know

What is Gastrografin, and how does it differ from traditional enemas in treating severe constipation?

Gastrografin is a water-soluble contrast agent used in managing fecal impaction. Unlike traditional enemas, which have been the standard go-to solution, Gastrografin is administered through a nasointestinal tube. Research indicates Gastrografin offers a more efficient and potentially comfortable alternative, leading to faster relief and improved patient outcomes compared to enemas. This makes Gastrografin a promising option for individuals struggling with severe constipation.

What were the key findings of the study comparing Gastrografin to enemas for treating fecal impaction?

The study revealed that Gastrografin had a significantly higher success rate in disimpaction compared to enemas. The mean duration of impaction resolution was considerably shorter in the Gastrografin group, indicating faster relief. Additionally, patients treated with Gastrografin experienced improved stool consistency, reduced constipation severity, and an enhanced overall quality of life, demonstrating its superiority in effectively managing fecal impaction.

How was Gastrografin administered in the study, and why is this method significant?

In the study, Gastrografin was administered via a nasointestinal tube. This method is significant because it allows the contrast agent to be delivered directly into the intestinal tract, potentially bypassing the need for manual disimpaction and promoting a more thorough and efficient cleansing process. The direct delivery may contribute to the faster resolution of fecal impaction and the improved stool consistency observed in the Gastrografin group compared to the enema group.

What implications does the research on Gastrografin have for healthcare professionals managing patients with severe constipation and fecal impaction?

The research suggests that Gastrografin offers a promising alternative to traditional enemas, potentially revolutionizing the management of severe constipation and fecal impaction. Healthcare professionals may consider Gastrografin as a first-line treatment option, especially for patients who have not responded well to enemas or require a more efficient and patient-friendly approach. Further research and clinical experience will help refine protocols and identify the ideal patient populations for Gastrografin therapy.

Beyond faster relief, what other benefits did patients experience with Gastrografin compared to enemas in the study, and how do these contribute to overall well-being?

Besides faster relief, patients in the Gastrografin group experienced improved stool consistency, reduced constipation severity, and an enhanced overall quality of life compared to the enema group. Improved stool consistency can reduce discomfort during bowel movements, while reduced constipation severity alleviates the physical and emotional distress associated with the condition. The combination of these benefits contributes to an improved overall quality of life, allowing patients to return to normal activities and experience greater well-being. This holistic improvement underscores the value of Gastrografin as a comprehensive treatment option for severe constipation and fecal impaction.