Korean J Gastrointest Endosc.
2005 Dec;31(6):427-431.
A Case of Coffee Enema-Induced Colitis
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Internal Medicine, Eulji University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. jyj1138@eulji.or.kr
- 2Department of Pathology, Eulji University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- 3Department of Radiology, Eulji University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
- A coffee enema which has been suggested as a part of a cancer treatment, has been misused as a treatment for obesity and constipation among the general population. Its proponents claim that caffeine is absorbed in the colon, which leads to vasodilatation in the liver and stimulation of the hepatocellular function to detoxify the products of the tumor cell metabolism. However, the clinical efficacy of the anti-cancer effect of coffee enemas has not been demonstrated. Many side effects of coffee enemas have been reported. These include severe electrolyte imbalance, polymicrobial enteric septicemia, and even death. We experienced a patient who presented with abdominal pain and a bloody stool after receiving a coffee enema to relieve constipation. We report this case of coffee enema-induced colitis with a review of the relevant.
