[Orthograde intestinal irrigation in infants and small children]

Orthograde whole-gut irrigation proved a simply applicable method for bowel cleansing also in infants and small children. It could be demonstrated that the use of saline-lavage solution is well tolerated by these patients, accompanied only by minor changes of electrolyte and pH balance. Orthograde whole-gut irrigation is indicated in operations for small and gross bowel surgery. It is contraindicated, however, in marked bowel stenoses and also, to a lesser degree, in functional bowel stenoses.