Fecal impaction Flashcards
1
Q
What are the clinical features of fecal impaction?
A
Inability to defecate for days or weeks Normal bowel sounds Distended abdomen DRE: hard, impacted stools distending the rectum Tenesmus
2
Q
How is fecal impaction diagnosed?
A
Clinical diagnosis
Abdominal x-ray (to rule out bowel perforation)
3
Q
What is the treatment for fecal impaction?
A
First exclude bowel perforation
Manual disimpaction
Osmotic enema (e.g., warm water enema or mineral oil enema)
Consider the addition of stimulatory suppositories
(If severe) Endoscopic disimpaction
