Constipation is a common condition for hospitalized patients all over the world, but the treatment of this condition hasn’t been consistent. As a last resort for unresolved constipation, a milk and molasses enema is often used by nursing staff. Little research has been done investigating the safety and efficacy of this approach.

Jackline Wangui-Verry, MSN, RN-BC, assistant director of the Clinical Research Unit, explored this topic to evaluate the safety of milk and molasses enemas for hospitalized adults with unresolved constipation after standard treatment options failed. The study was the first of its kind to analyze a sample of hospitalized adults.

After conducting this study, no safety concerns were found in hospitalized adults who received a milk and molasses enema for constipation relief. The findings indicate the treatment is safe. A further study examining the efficacy in this population is still needed.

Wangui-Verry collaborated with Michele Farrington, BSN, RN-BC, Grace Matthews, MSN, RN-BC, and Sharon Tucker, PhD, RN, APRN-CNS, F-NAP, FAAN to complete this research.

All findings are published in the American Journal of Nursing.