fecal impaction

impaction /im·pac·tion/ (im-pak´shun)

1. the condition of being impacted.

2. in obstetrics, the indentation of any fetal parts of one twin onto the surface of its co-twin, so that the simultaneous partial engagement of both twins is permitted.

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dental impaction  prevention of eruption, normal occlusion, or routine removal of a tooth because of its being locked in position by bone, dental restoration, or surfaces of adjacent teeth.

fecal impaction  a collection of hardened feces in the rectum or sigmoid.

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fecal impaction

n.

An immovable collection of compressed or hardened feces in the colon or rectum.

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Fecal impaction

Obstruction of the rectum by a large mass of feces (stool).

Mentioned in: Bowel Training

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fecal impaction,

an accumulation of hardened or inspissated feces in the rectum or sigmoid colon that the individual is unable to move. Diarrhea may be a sign of fecal impaction, since only liquid material is able to pass the obstruction. Occasionally fecal impaction may cause urinary incontinence through pressure on the bladder. Treatment includes oil and cleansing enemas and manual breaking up and removal of the stool by a gloved finger. Persons who are dehydrated; nutritionally depleted; on long periods of bed rest; receiving constipating medications such as iron or opiates; or undergoing barium radiographic studies are at risk of developing fecal impaction. Prevention includes adequate ingestion of bulk food, fluids, exercise, regular bowel habits, privacy for defecation, and occasionally stool softeners or laxatives. See also constipation, obstipation.

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fecal [fe´k'l]

pertaining to or of the nature of feces.

fecal impaction accumulation of putty-like or hardened feces in the rectum or sigmoid. The condition often occurs in patients with long-standing bowel problems and chronic constipation. It also may develop when barium is introduced into the intestinal tract and not completely removed.

Symptoms include painful defecation, feeling of fullness in the rectum, and constipation or a diarrheic stool. Rectal examination reveals a hard or putty-like mass. The condition can be prevented in most cases by adequate removal of barium after radiologic studies, and by careful monitoring of the bowel movements of patients with problems of bowel elimination.

Fecal impaction usually requires digital removal with a gloved finger to break up the mass. Prior to removal the patient may be given an oil retention enema to help soften the mass.

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impaction [im-pak´shun]

the condition of being wedged in firmly.

bony impaction a dental impaction in which the blockage consists of both bone and soft tissue.

dental impaction the blocking of a tooth by a physical barrier, such as a neighboring tooth, so that it cannot erupt; see also impacted tooth.

Impaction of the third molar. From Dorland's, 2000.

fecal impaction see fecal impaction.

soft tissue impaction a dental impaction in which the blockage consists of soft tissue only.

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impaction

the condition of being impacted. Most commonly a condition in the alimentary tract of herbivores fed on roughage of poor digestibility. See also impactions of anal sacs of dogs, oviduct of birds, scent glands of ruminants.

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impaction colic

see impaction colic.

fecal impaction

a syndrome of moderate toxemia, an absence of fecal movements and straining in some cases. There is a collection of putty-like or hardened feces in the rectum or sigmoid. In horses fed on roughage of poor digestibility, the syndrome is one of colic due to impaction in the colon or cecum or both, or of the ileocecal valve. In cattle the syndrome is one of indigestion and ruminal stasis, less commonly abomasal impaction. In both syndromes there is a delayed passage of feces and palpably distended, firm viscera in appropriate locations. Each of these specific impactions is discussed under colic, abomasal impaction, ruminal impaction, omasal impaction, crop-bound and oviduct impaction of birds.

impaction large intestine

see impaction colic.

teeth impaction

see impacted teeth.

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fecal impaction

Medtalk The presence of an indurated bolus of feces in the rectum, which is difficult to pass and which may, with time, cause ulceration of the rectal mucosa. See Fecalith.