First Human Trial of Innovative “Butt-Breathing” Technique Completed by Scientists

A groundbreaking study led by a Japanese research team has successfully conducted the first human safety trial of an innovative technique known as enteral ventilation. This unconventional method delivers oxygen to the body through the rectum, effectively bypassing the lungs.

The primary objective of this procedure is to explore alternative methods for supporting patients who suffer from respiratory issues, thereby granting their lungs the opportunity to recuperate.

The detailed findings of this study, which was published on October 20, 2025, involved a cohort of 27 healthy male volunteers aged between 20 and 45 years. Each participant was administered varying volumes of a non-oxygenated liquid called perfluorodecalin, ranging from 25 to 1, 500 milliliters, and was instructed to retain the liquid for a duration of 60 minutes.

Trial Outcomes and Observations

According to the researchers, the trial reported no significant adverse effects, although some participants experienced mild symptoms such as bloating and abdominal discomfort. Importantly, all assessments related to blood and organ function remained within standard parameters.

Trial participants undergoing enteral ventilation — Cell Press Journal

Notably, the current study did not evaluate the efficacy of oxygen delivery into the bloodstream. Researchers highlighted that future trials will aim to examine actual oxygen transfer using oxygenated perfluorocarbon.

This research builds on earlier animal studies demonstrating that mammals could endure low-oxygen environments when rectal oxygen administration was employed. Although still in the experimental phase, scientists believe this technique could evolve into a critical emergency oxygen supply for patients with severely compromised lung function.

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