The 800lb enema

The 5ft tall sculpture, a bronze syringe bulb held aloft by three Botticelli-style angels, was revealed at the Mashuk-Akva Term spa in the southern city of Zheleznovodsk.

"There is no kitsch or obscenity, it is a successful work of art," Alexander Kharchenko, the spa's director, said. "An enema is almost a symbol of our region."

The Caucasus mountains region is famous in Russia for dozens of health spas. Many offer enemas with water drawn from mineral springs, that are said to treat digestive and other complaints.

Mr Kharchenko said the monument had cost the spa £21,000. It was installed in a square in front of his spa, with an accompanying banner declaring: "Let's beat constipation and sloppiness with enemas" posted on one of the spa's walls.