A Cureus case report on using Classic Coca-Cola enemas to treat a massive fecaloma recently caught AuntMinnie’s attention, presenting the unusual approach to a radiology-focused clinical audience.
Published in Cureus on April 21, 2026, the article “Massive Fecaloma Dissolved by Coca-Cola: A Case Report” details the case of an 82-year-old woman with severe constipation, dementia, limited mobility, and other problems. She presented with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and a several-day history of no stools or gas.
The CT scan showed why: a 12.2 × 10.5-cm fecaloma was blocking her sigmoid colon and rectum.
Initial therapies failed to clear the blockage, so a physician performed an assisted enema with 1,000 mL of Coca-Cola. By hospital day 14, the obstruction was reduced by half; a second enema on hospital day 16 restored normal bowel movements. She was discharged with a maintenance regimen for bowel health.
Imaging played a central role throughout the case, confirming the original diagnosis, showing standard treatment had failed, and documenting the response after the first Coca-Cola enema.
The authors suggested that the acidity of the Coca-Cola, combined with carbonation and baking soda, might have broken up the hardened mass. Similar approaches have been used to clear gastric phytobezoars and fecalomas.
Enemas carry risks, including electrolyte imbalances, mucosal injury, and caffeine toxicity, which the authors flag as key concerns. The treatment should only be used in a hospital by a physician.
While the result of this case was promising, the authors call for further research to understand both the therapeutic potential and hazards of using Coca-Cola in treating fecalomas.