Illustration symbolizing the relief of fecal impaction with gastrografin.

Struggling with Constipation? Gastrografin Might Be Your Gentle Relief

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals how gastrografin offers a more effective and comfortable solution for severe constipation, especially when stool impaction strikes. Discover how this treatment could bring welcome relief."

Constipation happens. But when it becomes severe, leading to faecal impaction (FI)—a large, hard mass of stool stuck in your colon or rectum—it's more than just a discomfort. FI can cause significant pain, bloating, and even potential health complications, especially for older adults or young children. While enemas are a common first step, they're not always the most pleasant or effective solution.

A recent study published in ANZ J Surg offers a promising alternative: gastrografin. Gastrografin is a water-soluble contrast agent that's been used for years to help diagnose and sometimes treat intestinal blockages. The study suggests that when administered through a nasointestinal tube, gastrografin might be a more effective and better-tolerated option than traditional enemas for relieving severe constipation and faecal impaction.

This article will explore the study's findings, explain how gastrografin works, and discuss whether it could be a viable solution for you or a loved one struggling with chronic constipation and faecal impaction. We'll break down the research in plain language, so you can make informed decisions about your digestive health.

Gastrografin vs. Enemas: What the Study Revealed

Illustration symbolizing the relief of fecal impaction with gastrografin.

The study, a randomized controlled trial, compared the effectiveness of gastrografin and enemas in 83 patients with severe chronic constipation and faecal impaction. Participants were divided into two groups: one received 100 mL of gastrografin daily via a nasointestinal tube, while the other received daily enemas for six consecutive days. The researchers then tracked several key outcomes, including:

The primary goal was to see how many people in each group experienced successful disimpaction, meaning the complete removal of the impacted stool. Secondary goals included assessing the time it took for the impaction to resolve, changes in stool consistency (using the Bristol Stool Scale), constipation severity (using the Wexner constipation scale), symptom relief, and any adverse events experienced.

Successful Disimpaction: Gastrografin led to successful disimpaction in 88.57% of patients, compared to 69.44% in the enema group.
Faster Relief: The gastrografin group experienced significantly faster resolution of their impaction, with an average duration of 31.67 hours compared to 67.13 hours in the enema group.
Improved Stool Consistency: Gastrografin was associated with looser, more watery stools, indicating a softening of the impacted mass.
Reduced Constipation Severity: Patients receiving gastrografin reported a significant reduction in constipation severity and improved quality of life.

The results suggest that gastrografin, when administered through a nasointestinal tube, is more effective than enemas in resolving faecal impaction. It not only led to a higher success rate but also provided faster relief and improved overall digestive comfort.

Is Gastrografin Right for You? What to Consider

While the study results are promising, it's important to remember that gastrografin is not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you're struggling with chronic constipation or suspect you have faecal impaction, talk to your doctor. They can properly diagnose your condition, rule out any underlying causes, and determine if gastrografin is an appropriate treatment option for you. They will consider medical history to make the best decision.

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.

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is faecal impaction, and why is it so serious?

Faecal impaction (FI) is a condition where a large, hardened mass of stool gets stuck in the colon or rectum. This is more than just a temporary discomfort; it can cause significant pain, bloating, and potentially lead to serious health complications. FI is particularly concerning for older adults and young children. If left untreated, it can lead to further complications, highlighting the need for effective treatment like Gastrografin to avoid health risks.

How does Gastrografin work to relieve severe constipation and faecal impaction?

Gastrografin is a water-soluble contrast agent, that acts as an osmotic agent. It works by drawing water into the bowel, which helps to soften and loosen the impacted stool. When administered through a nasointestinal tube, as shown in the study, Gastrografin increases the water content in the bowel, making it easier to pass the impacted stool. The study results suggest that Gastrografin, through this mechanism, can lead to successful disimpaction and faster relief compared to traditional methods like enemas.

What were the key findings of the study comparing Gastrografin and enemas for faecal impaction?

The study revealed that Gastrografin was more effective than enemas in several key areas. Firstly, Gastrografin led to successful disimpaction in a higher percentage of patients (88.57%) compared to enemas (69.44%). Secondly, patients receiving Gastrografin experienced faster relief from their impaction, with an average resolution time of 31.67 hours, significantly less than the 67.13 hours for the enema group. Additionally, Gastrografin improved stool consistency and reduced constipation severity, leading to a better quality of life for the patients.

Besides faster relief, what other benefits did patients experience when treated with Gastrografin versus enemas?

Beyond faster relief, the study highlighted several additional benefits. Patients treated with Gastrografin showed improved stool consistency; they had looser, more watery stools, which is a sign of the impacted mass softening. There was also a significant reduction in constipation severity, as measured by the Wexner constipation scale, suggesting improved digestive comfort. These combined results indicate that Gastrografin not only resolves the impaction more quickly but also enhances the overall experience and digestive health for individuals suffering from severe constipation.

Under what circumstances should I consider Gastrografin for my constipation issues, and what steps should I take?

If you are experiencing chronic constipation or suspect you have faecal impaction, you should consult your doctor. They can properly diagnose your condition and rule out any underlying causes, like medical history, that may be contributing to your issues. After the diagnosis, the doctor can determine if Gastrografin is a suitable treatment option for you. Remember, Gastrografin is not a universal solution, so professional medical advice is crucial to ensure the best course of action for your specific health needs.