In the Sixth Dynasty (2345–2181 BC), the physician Iry (or Ir-en-akhty) was awarded the exalted position of “Shepherd of the King’s Rectum” (also translated as “Keeper of the King’s Rectum,” “Guardian of the Royal Bowel Movement,”,“Doctor to the King’s Belly,”or “Shepherd of the King’s Anus”).
The pharaoh was a god, and attending to his medical care was a great honor. One of the treatments given the pharaoh was an enema (a colonic lavage) via a golden cannula inserted per rectum. The lavage fluids could have been water, milk, beer, or wine, each mixed with honey and medicinal additives. The goal was to prevent toxin accumulation. Enemas were administered on three consecutive days each month. It is claimed that the Egyptians invented the enema after watching the Nile ibis insert its beak into its anus and inject water.