A Harris flush is a type of enema aimed to evacuate flatus from a patient who has undergone surgery. It differs from other enemas in that it is not retained by the patient but removed shortly after insertion. It is also intended to remove flatus as opposed to other enemas, which are principally to remove stool.[1]
A tube is passed into the rectum and sterile water is flushed into the colon and then aspirated through the same tube. This is often accomplished by gravity: the nurse slowly raising, then lowering, the enema bag while it remains connected to the hose, whose nozzle remains in the patient's rectum. The procedure is repeated several times. The procedure, like other type of enemas, is prescribed by a physician order. A container with a connecting tube is required. Additional necessities are lubricant, gloves, and eye protection, as the evacuation of flatus may occasionally be explosive.