TITLE:
A Case of Coffee Enema Induced Rectal Burn, Proctocolitis, Sub-Acute Intestinal Obstruction, and Electrolyte Imbalance: A Case Report
AUTHORS:
Chanchal Kumar Ghosh, Al Hasan Tipu, Aditi Sarker, Soumitra Sarker
KEYWORDS:
Coffee Enema, Rectal Burn, Proctocolitis, Fibrotic Stricture, Subacute Intestinal Obstruction, Electrolyte Imbalance, Diabetes Mellitus, Alternative Medicine, Clinician Awareness, Patient Education
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Gastroenterology,
Vol.16 No.10,
September
28,
2026
ABSTRACT: Coffee enemas are a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) promoted by some practitioners and celebrities without credible scientific evidence. Their use is associated with several adverse effects, some of which can be life-threatening, including rectal burns, proctocolitis, intestinal obstruction, and electrolyte imbalances, which are well-documented but under reported. Only a handful of comparable cases exist in the literature, highlighting the need for greater clinician awareness and patient education. We present the case of a 30-year-old obese male with a recent diagnosis of T2 diabetes mellitus who developed severe proctocolitis, a fibrotic stricture leading to subacute intestinal obstruction, and a significant electrolyte imbalance following a self-administered hot coffee enema. The patient required intensive care management and partial colectomy was planned. This case report shows that coffee enema sometimes can cause serious complications. Healthcare providers and patients should be aware of the risk and should use coffee enema with caution.