Detox enema with lemon salt, woman had to have emergency surgery

(Dan Tri) - A woman (54 years old) was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of dull pain around the navel, fatigue, and abdominal distension. CT scan results showed intestinal obstruction, diffuse inflammation, and necrosis in the sigmoid colon.

The patient is Ms. Thi (54 years old, Tan An ward, Bac Ninh province), admitted on July 9 to the Department of Digestive Surgery, Bac Ninh General Hospital No. 1 (formerly Bac Giang General Hospital) with dull pain around and below the navel, fatigue, and mild abdominal distension.

Previously, the patient had been treated for partial intestinal obstruction at a hospital near his home for a week, then discharged for 2 days and then experienced abdominal pain again. The patient went to Bac Ninh General Hospital No. 1 for examination and was admitted for treatment.

Notably, the patient said that she had been doing colon detoxification and enemas at home with lemon and salt water for 6 months, about 2-3 times a week. Before that, her husband had also used this method for nearly a year.

Doctors suspect the patient's condition is related to the habit of performing enemas and colon detoxification with salted lemon at home for a long time (Photo: BVCC).

Abdominal CT scan results showed intestinal obstruction, diffuse inflammation of the entire small intestine and colon, a lot of fluid in the abdomen, and necrosis in the sigmoid colon, a serious complication requiring emergency surgical intervention.

Doctors suspect it is related to the habit of doing enema and colon detox with salted lemon for a long time at home.

The patient was quickly scheduled for emergency surgery to remove the necrotic sigmoid colon and create an artificial anus. After 5 days, the patient's condition was stable, the surgical wound progressed well, there was no more fever, the abdomen was soft, and he could eat lightly. It is expected that the patient can be discharged in the next few days.

According to Dr. Tran Nhat Hung, Head of the Department of Digestive Surgery, the patient's condition is very dangerous. If not detected and operated on promptly, necrosis can lead to colon perforation, causing peritonitis, toxic infection, and even life-threatening.

"People should absolutely not arbitrarily use enemas or colon detoxification methods using lemon, salt, coffee or solutions of unknown origin at home," Dr. Hung warned.

These methods have no scientific basis, can cause intestinal motility disorders, damage the colon mucosa, electrolyte disorders and lead to many serious complications such as bleeding, ulcers, even perforation and colon necrosis.

Body cleansing or detoxification is a common need today, however, according to doctors, the human body already has natural elimination mechanisms through the liver, kidneys, and intestines. Excessive intervention in the digestive system through improper enemas not only does not bring benefits but also poses many potential health risks.

People should carefully research health care methods and avoid believing in advertisements that are not medically verified. When experiencing unusual digestive symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, or irregular bowel movements, they should go to a medical facility with a specialist for timely examination and treatment.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/thut-thao-detox-bang-chanh-muoi-nguoi-phu-nu-phai-mo-cap-cuu-20250717205032098.htm