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Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

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Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis01:27

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

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Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease

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Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
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Feces Formation and Defecation01:26

Feces Formation and Defecation

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After spending 3 to 10 hours in the large intestine, chyme loses a lot of water and becomes feces, the final product of digestion. Feces consist of undigested dietary fiber such as cellulose, mucus, sloughed-off epithelial cells, and microbes. The descending and sigmoid colon stores feces and uses haustral contractions to dry it out but retains enough water to give it a semi-solid texture.
The mass peristalsis then pushes the feces into the rectum, which stretches the rectal walls to activate...
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

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Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
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Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

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The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 3, 2025

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
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Fecal impaction in adults.

Victoria Louwagie1, Mark D Steinman, Ming-Hsi Wang

  • 1Victoria Louwagie is clinical codirector of development and an assistant professor in the PA program at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. She also practices in community gastroenterology and hepatology in the Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Minn. Mark D. Steinman practices in general surgery and trauma services at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Minn. Ming-Hsi Wang is an associate professor and consultant in gastroenterology and hepatology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

JAAPA : Official Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants
|April 12, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Fecal impaction, a complication of constipation, requires prompt treatment like manual disimpaction or medication. Post-treatment evaluation and prevention plans are crucial for managing this digestive disorder.

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Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Digestive Health
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Fecal impaction is a common, acute complication of chronic, untreated constipation.
  • Factors contributing to fecal impaction often overlap with those causing constipation.
  • Early identification and intervention are key to reducing patient discomfort and complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the common diagnostic and treatment strategies for fecal impaction.
  • To emphasize the importance of post-treatment evaluation and preventive care.

Main Methods:

  • Review of common treatment options for rectal fecal impaction, including manual disimpaction, enemas, suppositories, and oral/nasogastric polyethylene glycol solutions.
  • Discussion of surgical intervention for severe cases.
  • Highlighting post-treatment colonic evaluations (flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, barium enema).

Main Results:

  • Various non-surgical and surgical methods are available for fecal impaction treatment.
  • Post-resolution colonic evaluation is recommended to identify underlying causes.
  • Preventive therapy planning is essential after successful treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Fecal impaction necessitates a multi-faceted approach involving immediate treatment, thorough evaluation, and long-term prevention.
  • Effective management strategies aim to resolve impaction and prevent recurrence.