Radiological observations in the colon of Nigerians with chronic enema abuse.

Barium enema examination performed on the indigenes of Calabar community (the Efiks) demonstrated redundancy (dolichocolon) in various segments of the colon in a high proportion (71%) of habitual enema abusers compared to non-abusers (19%). Comparatively, the descending colon appeared the most vulnerable segment of the gut. The typical features of enema colitis was not found in any of the subjects probably because of the non-corrosive nature of the concoctions they used in clearing their gut. It is concluded that prolonged stimulation of the colon with enema together with the instruments used to deliver the concoction results in the redundancy. To enhance accurate radiological evaluation of colonic lesions amongst Nigerians of Efik origin, chronic enema abuse should be considered.