Fecal impaction occurs when hardened stool blocks the rectum. Signs include severe constipation, abdominal pain, and inability to pass stool. Risks include dehydration, bowel obstruction, and infections. Prompt treatment is vital to prevent complications.

1. Fecal Impactions
SIGNS, RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS
Dr. Vatsal Mehta

2. What is fecal
impactions
01.

3. Introduction to
the disease
✚ Fecal impaction is a severe condition
where a hard mass of stool accumulates
in the colon and rectum, causing a
blockage that hinders normal bowel
movements.
✚ It can lead to symptoms like abdominal
pain, constipation, and potentially
serious complications if left untreated.
Medical intervention is necessary for
relief.

4. Symptoms of Fecal Impactions
 Severe constipation
 Abdominal pain and bloating
 Straining during bowel movements
 Rectal pain and discomfort
 Infrequent or incomplete bowel movements
 Watery or liquid stool leakage (overflow incontinence)
 Nausea and vomiting in some cases
 Loss of appetite

5. Complications Fecal Impactions
Bowel Obstruction
The hardened stool mass can
completely block the intestines,
causing a bowel obstruction.
Bowel Perforation
If the impaction puts too much
pressure on the intestinal walls, it
can cause them to tear or
perforate, leading to a dangerous
condition called bowel
perforation.
Rectal Tears (Fissures)
Straining to pass the impacted
stool can cause tears or fissures
in the rectum, leading to pain and
potential bleeding.
Hemorrhoids
The continuous straining during
bowel movements can cause
hemorrhoids, which are swollen
and inflamed blood vessels
around the anus.
Rectal Prolapse
Severe straining can cause the
rectum to protrude from the
anus, leading to a condition
known as rectal prolapse.
Fecal Incontinence
Over time, the impacted stool can
stretch and weaken the rectum,
affecting its ability to hold stool
properly, resulting in involuntary
leakage of liquid stool.

6. Factors that
Developing Fecal
Impaction
 Low Fiber Diet
 Inadequate Fluid Intake
 Sedentary Lifestyle
 Neurological Disorders
 Medications

7. Treatment of Fecal Impaction
Enemas
Oral laxatives
Manual
disimpaction
Doctors may prescribe or
recommend over-the-
counter laxatives such as
stool softeners, osmotic
laxatives, or stimulant
laxatives to help soften the
impacted stool and promote
bowel movements.
Enemas involve introducing a
liquid solution into the
rectum to soften the stool
and stimulate bowel
movements. Types of
enemas include saline,
mineral oil, or tap water
enemas.
Suppositories
Suppositories containing
laxatives or glycerin can be
inserted into the rectum to
help soften the stool and
facilitate its passage.
In severe cases, a healthcare
professional may perform a
manual disimpaction, where
they use a gloved finger to
gently break up and remove
the impacted stool from the
rectum.

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