![]() ![]() ![]() 6 FI is also commonly found in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, dementia, and severe stroke, as well as in spinal cord injury patients. 5 Read et al noted that 42% of patients in a geriatric ward had FI. The incidence of fecal impaction increases with age and dramatically impairs the quality of life in the elderly. 4 Despite a multimillion dollar laxative industry in our bowel-conscious society, fecal impaction remains prevalent mostly in the pediatric and elderly population. ![]() 2, 3 It is also known as coprostasis or inspissated stool syndrome. 1 FI is defined as the inability to evacuate large hard inspissated concreted stool or bezoar lodged in the lower GI tract. Objectives: On completion of this article, the reader should be able to summarize the management of fecal impaction.įecal impaction (FI) is a common gastrointestinal (GI) disorder and a source of significant patient discomfort with potential for major morbidity especially in the elderly population. Recurrence is common, and can be managed by increasing dietary fiber content to 30 gm/day, increased water intake, and discontinuation of medications that can contribute to colonic hypomotility. Surgical resection of the involved colon or rectum is reserved for cases of FI complicated by ulceration and perforation leading to peritonitis. Treatment options include gentle proximal softening in the absence of complete bowel obstruction, distal washout, and manual extraction. Prompt identification and treatment minimizes the risks of complications such as bowel obstruction leading to aspiration, stercoral ulcers, perforation, and peritonitis. Early recognition and diagnosis is accomplished by way of an adequate history and physical examination in conjunction with an acute abdominal series. It is the result of chronic or severe constipation and most commonly found in the elderly population. Fecal impaction (FI) is a common cause of lower gastrointestinal tract obstruction lagging behind stricture for diverticulitis and colon cancer. ![]()
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