Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
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]
Additionally, fecalomas may be seen as masses in the colon. In the case of ulceration, the part of the colon adjacent to the fecaloma will be thickened. This thickening of the bowel will help differentiate from stercoral colitis and stercoral ulcer from fecal impaction as the colon is typically not thickened in cases of fecal impaction. [2]
Complications from constipation may include hemorrhoids, anal fissure or fecal impaction. [4] The normal frequency of bowel movements in adults is between three per day and three per week. [4] Babies often have three to four bowel movements per day while young children typically have two to three per day. [8] Constipation has many causes. [4]
In another review of 889 patients across 23 studies, a pooled improvement rate in measures of incontinence was 39.5%. [8] In some cases there is no improvement after the procedure, and the injections are repeated in up to 34% of cases. [8] There can also be worsening of symptoms after an initial improvement period. [8]
It can form secondary to fecal impaction. A fecaloma is a more severe form of fecal impaction, and a hardened fecaloma may be considered a giant fecalith. The term is from the Greek líthos=stone. [2]
Fecal leakage, fecal soiling and fecal seepage are minor degrees of FI, and describe incontinence of liquid stool, mucus, or very small amounts of solid stool. They cover a spectrum of increasing symptom severity (staining, soiling, seepage, and accidents). [1] Rarely, minor FI in adults may be described as encopresis.
Intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IPO) is a clinical syndrome caused by severe impairment in the ability of the intestines to push food through. It is characterized by the signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction without any lesion in the intestinal lumen. [1]
Reduced forward movement of bowel contents results in a build up of pressure within the part of the bowel just before the site of obstruction. This increased pressure may prevent blood flow from reaching the bowel wall, resulting in bowel ischemia (lack of blood flow), necrosis, and eventually perforation. [5]