Industry Agreed Contra-indications and Relative Contra-indications
The following contraindications are subject to an on-ongoing review
Absolute Contra-indications
- Abdominal Hernia
- Autonomic dysreflexia (occurs in spinal injuries at or above T6)
- Carcinoma of the colon or rectum
- Children under 16 years without a GP’s/medical specialist written referral and a guardian present at all times
- Colitis
- Congestive heart disease
- Diverticulitis
- Fistula
- Hirschsprung’s disease
- Hypertension above 170/100
- Ileus (paralytic)
- Active Inflammatory Bowel Disorders – Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s, Colitis and Diverticulitis
- Inflamed haemorrhoids
- Pregnancy
- Rectal bleeding
- Radiotherapy of abdominal area not discharged from medical care
- Severe Anaemia (RBC less than 2.5 million cells/mcL) – Risk of fainting
- Renal insufficiency
- Severe persistent diarrhoea
The following timelines given post-surgery are deliberately conservative and could be less with the written support of a Medical Specialist.
- Recent surgery of colon or rectum (less than 26 weeks)
- Recent abdominal surgery e.g., hysterectomy (less than 26 weeks)
- Recent abdominal liposuction (less than 12 weeks)
- Recent bowel biopsy (less than 12 weeks)
- Recent prostrate biopsy made through the bowel (less than 12 weeks)
- Recent laparoscopy (less than 6 weeks)
Relative Contra-indications
Industry Agreed Relative Contraindications – the suitability of the treatment remains specific to the individual and must be assessed by a professional Colonic Hydrotherapist.
- Anal tear and haemorrhoids(s) if DRE reveals potential intolerance to speculum
- Chemotherapy and cancer treatments known to cause inflammation, infections, anaemia and general weakness – CHT’s should work with the medical team.
- Debilitating heart, liver and kidney diseases manifesting pain and weakness
- Diabetes – Risk of Hypoglycaemia; client advise should be given in preparation for treatment
- Diverticulosis within 3 months of an episode of diverticulitis
- Highly anxious, stressed or emotional
- Hypotension (less than 90/60)
- Fissure
- Inflammatory Bowel Disorders in remission for a minimum of 6 months
- Inguinal Hernia
- Long term Oral or Rectal Steroid – Risk of reduced bowel integrity
- Recent (within 6 months) hip/knee joint surgery; will need to establish mobility and if client can lie on their left side
- Sever underweight or Eating Disorders
- Tight Sphincter