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Health information sheets for clients -Colonic irrigation

Summary

In Victoria there is currently no provision in the Health Act 1958 requiring colonic irrigation businesses to be registered by local government. This fact sheet has been produced to allow those considering colonic irrigation to make an informed decision about the process. Colonic irrigation (also known as colonics, colonic lavage, colon irrigation, high colonic or colon hydrotherapy) is the practice of cleansing the colon using filtered and temperature regulated water via a rectal catheter. If equipment is not sterile and infection control procedures are not followed there is the potential for a range of bowel infections to be transmitted, including hepatitis A, as well as blood borne viruses such as hepatitis B and C, and HIV. There is also potential for serious injury.

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Owner:
Epidemiology and Surveillance,
Communicable Disease - Prevention and Control,
Chief Health Officer and Health Protection,
Wellbeing, Integrated Care and Ageing,
Department of Health
50 Lonsdale Street,
Melbourne, Victoria, 3000
Telephone: (61 3) 9096 9000