Fecal Impaction: Signs, Risks and Complications

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Fecal Impactions SIGNS, RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

• Dr. Vatsal Mehta

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What is fecal impactions
01.
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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.

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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

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Complications Fecal Impactions

• Bowel Obstruction

• Bowel Perforation

• Rectal Tears (Fissures)

• The hardened stool mass can completely block the
  intestines, causing a bowel obstruction.

• 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.

• Straining to pass the impacted stool can cause
  tears or fissures in the rectum, leading to pain
  and potential bleeding.

• Hemorrhoids

• Rectal Prolapse

• Fecal Incontinence

• The continuous straining during bowel movements
  can cause hemorrhoids, which are swollen and
  inflamed blood vessels around the anus.

• Severe straining can cause the rectum to protrude
  from the anus, leading to a condition known as
  rectal prolapse.

• 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.

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Factors that Developing Fecal Impaction

• Low Fiber Diet
• Inadequate Fluid Intake
• Sedentary Lifestyle
• Neurological Disorders
• Medications

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Treatment of Fecal Impaction
Enemas
Oral laxatives
Manual disimpaction
Suppositories
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 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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