WHOLE BOWEL IRRIGATION IN TOXICOLOGY: A FOCUSED REVIEW ON CURRENT EVIDENCE, CLINICAL INDICATIONS, AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

About Author

Correspondence Address

Dr. Manasi Ashokkumar Chavan,
PG Scholar, Department of Agadatantra,
Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Ayurved & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune- 18

Contact No. : 8605476396, Email : manasichavan1299@gmail.com

Date of Acceptance : 28 Jun 2026

Date of Publication : 28 Jun 2026

Article ID : SD-IJAY_185

How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2026.4212

Abstract

Whole bowel irrigation (WBI) is a decontamination technique of the gastrointestinal tract that involves enteral administration of large volumes of polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution (PEG-ELS) to remove ingested toxins. In the past, WBI served as an alternative to invasive methods like gastric lavage and syrup of ipecac. But in recent times, with the evolution in toxicology, the routine use of WBI has declined significantly. There is limited solid evidence that shows improvement in clinical outcomes. The American Academy of Clinical Toxicology and the European Association of Poisons Centres recommend inhibiting routine application while excluding the use in scenarios such as sustained-release or enteric-coated drug overdoses, heavy metal poisoning, and ingestion of drug packets. This review critically evaluates current evidence on WBI while discussing its pharmacological rationale, examines contemporary indications and limitations, and provides a controversy analysis.

KEY WORDS:-  Toxicology, Whole Bowel Irrigation, Poison Control, Drugs, Gastric Lavage