fecal impaction

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.

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 tooth" >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.

fe·cal im·pac·tion

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

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.

fe·cal im·pac·tion

(fēkăl im-pakshŭn) Immovable collection of compressed or hardened feces in the colon or rectum.

Fecal impaction

Obstruction of the rectum by a large mass of feces (stool).Mentioned in: Bowel Training

fecal impaction

fecal impaction

fecal

impaction

fe·cal im·pac·tion

fecal impaction

fe·cal im·pac·tion

Fecal impaction

fecal impaction

Words related to fecal impaction

noun accumulation of hardened feces in the rectum or lower colon which the person cannot move

Related Words