[Overflow incontinence (author's transl)]

The encopresis of faecal impaction is a paradoxical incontinence found with constipation or faecal retention due to somatic or psychic causes. Normal continence comprises the possibility to delay passages of stools and the avoidance of leakage of stool in the meantime. Continued delay of defaecations causes faecal impaction and paradoxical leakage of stool. It is necessary to break the vicious circle by emptying the rectal ampulla and to avoid further constipation by means of laxatives and diet. Uderlying psychological disturbances must be recognized and treated. Two individual cases among our patients illustrate various aspects of the problem.