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Fecal impaction - Overview

Alternative Names

Impaction of the bowels

Definition of Fecal impaction:

A fecal impaction is a large mass of dry, hard stool that can develop in the rectum due to chronic constipation. This mass may be so hard that it cannot come out of the body. Watery stool from higher in the bowel may move around the mass and leak out, causing soiling or diarrhea.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Certain people are at greater risk for developing chronic constipation, which can lead to fecal impaction.

Persons at risk for this condition include those who:

  • Have limited ability to move such as bedridden patients, or persons with severe disease of the nervous system
  • Take certain drugs, including:
    • Anticholinergics, which affect the interaction between certain nerves and muscles
    • Antidiarrhea medications
    • Methadone maintenance treatment for drug addiction
    • Narcotic pain medication
  • Reviewed last on: 1/24/2009
  • David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Nelson H. Diseases of the rectum and anus. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 148.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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