Fecal impaction
Impaction of the bowels; Constipation - impaction; Neurogenic bowel - impactionA fecal impaction is a large lump of dry, hard stool that stays stuck in the rectum. It is most often seen in people who are constipated for a long time.
Causes
Constipation is when you are not passing stool as often or as easily as is normal for you. Your stool becomes hard and dry. This makes it difficult to pass.
Fecal impaction often occurs in people who have had constipation for a long time.
You are at more risk for chronic constipation and fecal impaction if:
- You do not move around much and spend most of your time in a chair or bed.
- You have a disease of the brain or nervous system that damages the nerves that go to the muscles of the intestines.
Certain medicines slow the passage of stool through the bowels:
- Anticholinergics, which affect the interaction between nerves and muscles of the bowel
- Medicines used to treat diarrhea, if they are taken too often
- Narcotic pain medicine, such as methadone, codeine, and oxycodone
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Abdominal cramping and bloating
- Leakage of liquid or sudden episodes of watery diarrhea in someone who has chronic (long-term) constipation
Chronic
Chronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quick...
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- Small, semi-formed stools
- Straining when trying to pass stools
Other possible symptoms include:
- Bladder pressure or loss of bladder control
- Lower back pain
- Rapid heartbeat or lightheadedness from straining to pass stool
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will examine your stomach area and rectum. The rectal exam will show a hard mass of stool in the rectum.
You may need to have a colonoscopy if there has been a recent change in your bowel habits. This is done to check for colon or rectal cancer.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is an exam that views the inside of the colon (large intestine) and rectum, using a tool called a colonoscope. The colonoscope has a sm...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleTreatment
Treatment for the condition starts with removal of the impacted stool. This is called disimpaction. After that, steps are taken to prevent future fecal impactions.
A warm tap water enema is often used to soften and lubricate the stool. You may need more than one enema to help.
The mass may have to be broken up by hand. This is called manual removal:
- A provider will need to insert one or two fingers into the rectum and slowly break up the mass into smaller pieces so that it can come out.
- This process must be done in small steps to avoid causing injury to the rectum.
- Suppositories inserted into the rectum may be given between attempts to help clear the stool.
Surgery is rarely needed to treat a fecal impaction. An overly widened colon (megacolon) or complete blockage of the bowel may require emergency removal of the impaction.
Most people who have had a fecal impaction will need a bowel retraining program. Your provider and a specially trained nurse or therapist will:
- Take a detailed history of your diet, bowel patterns, laxative use, medicines, and medical problems
- Examine you carefully.
- Recommend changes in your diet, how to use laxatives and stool softeners, special exercises, lifestyle changes, and other special techniques to retrain your bowel.
- Follow you closely to make sure the program works for you.
Outlook (Prognosis)
With treatment, the outcome is good.
Possible Complications
Complications may include:
- Tear (ulceration) of the rectal tissue
- Tissue death (necrosis) or rectal tissue injury
Necrosis
Necrosis is the death of body tissue. It occurs when too little blood flows to the tissue. This can be from injury, radiation, or chemicals. Necro...
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
Tell your provider if you have chronic diarrhea or fecal incontinence after a long period of constipation. Also tell your provider if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain and bloating
Bloating
Abdominal bloating is a condition in which the belly (abdomen) feels full and tight. Your belly may look swollen (distended).
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Blood in the stool
Blood in the stool
Black or tarry stools with a foul smell are a sign of a problem in the upper digestive tract. It most often indicates that there is bleeding in the ...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Sudden constipation with abdominal cramps, and an inability to pass gas or stool. In this case, do not take any laxatives. Call your provider right away.
Abdominal cramps
Abdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Very thin, pencil-like stools
References
Iturrino JC, Lembo AJ. Constipation. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 19.
Zainea GC. Management of fecal impaction. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 208.
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Digestive system - illustration
The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.
Digestive system
illustration
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Digestive system organs - illustration
The digestive system organs in the abdominal cavity include the liver, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.
Digestive system organs
illustration
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Digestive system - illustration
The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.
Digestive system
illustration
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Digestive system organs - illustration
The digestive system organs in the abdominal cavity include the liver, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.
Digestive system organs
illustration
Review Date: 12/31/2023
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Aria - Jefferson Health Torresdale, Jefferson Digestive Diseases Network, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.