Fecal impaction

Fecal impaction
Fecal impaction
	Plain abdominal X-ray showing a large fecal impaction extending from the pelvis upwards to the left subphrenic space and from the left towards the right flank, measuring over 40 cm in length and 33 cm in width.
Specialty	Gastroenterology

A fecal impaction or an impacted bowel is a solid, immobile bulk of feces that can develop in the rectum as a result of chronic constipation^[1] (a related term is fecal loading which refers to a large volume of stool in the rectum of any consistency).^[2] Fecal impaction is a common result of neurogenic bowel dysfunction and causes immense discomfort and pain. Its treatment includes laxatives, enemas, and pulsed irrigation evacuation (PIE) as well as digital removal. It is not a condition that resolves without direct treatment.

^ "Constipation". The Lecturio Medical Concept Library. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
^ (UK), National Collaborating Centre for Acute Care (2007). Faecal incontinence the management of faecal incontinence in adults. London: National Collaborating Centre for Acute Care (UK). ISBN 978-0-9549760-4-0.^{[page needed]}

[1] "Constipation". The Lecturio Medical Concept Library. Retrieved 10 July 2021.

[NICE_guidelines-2] (UK), National Collaborating Centre for Acute Care (2007). Faecal incontinence the management of faecal incontinence in adults. London: National Collaborating Centre for Acute Care (UK). ISBN 978-0-9549760-4-0.^{[page needed]}

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