Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2005 May;18(2):116-9.
doi: 10.1055/s-2005-870893.

Fecal impaction

Affiliations

Fecal impaction

Farshid Araghizadeh. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2005 May.

Abstract

Fecal impaction is a common gastrointestinal problem and a potential source of major morbidity. Prompt identification and treatment minimize the risks of complications. Treatment options include manual extraction and proximal or distal washout. Following treatment, possible etiologies should be sought and preventive therapy instituted.

Keywords: Fecal impaction; constipation.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Abdominal radiograph showing fecal impaction.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Catheter suitable for enema administration.

References

    1. Tracey J. Fecal impaction: not always a benign condition. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2000;30:228–229. - PubMed
    1. De Lillo A R, Rose S. Functional bowel disorders in the geriatric patient: constipation, fecal impaction, and fecal incontinence. Am J Gastroenterol. 2000;95:901–905. - PubMed
    1. Read N W, Abouzekry L, Read M G, Howell P, Ottewell D, Donnelly T C. Anorectal function in elderly patients with fecal impaction. Gastroenterology. 1985;89:959–966. - PubMed
    1. Beck D E. Fecal impaction. Tech Gastrointest Endosc. 2004;6:41–43.
    1. Reichel W. The Geriatric Patient. New York: HP Publishing Co; 1978. p. 78.