Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations for fecal impaction

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Fecal impaction is a common cause of hospital admission, often presenting with symptoms mimicking intestinal obstruction.
• Understanding the etiology and clinical presentation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Observation:

• A review of 18 patients admitted for fecal impaction revealed common presenting signs and symptoms consistent with intestinal obstruction.
• Seven patients had a history of medications slowing gastrointestinal motility, and seven had severe neuropsychiatric illness.

Findings:

• The clinical presentation of fecal impaction frequently overlaps with other causes of intestinal obstruction.
• Differentiating fecal impaction from other obstructive lesions poses a diagnostic challenge.

Implications:

• The diagnosis of fecal impaction should be considered only after excluding other potential causes of intestinal obstruction.
• This underscores the importance of a thorough diagnostic workup in patients presenting with obstructive symptoms.