Fecal impaction occurs when dry, hard stool builds up in the lower colon or rectum and blocks the normal passage of waste. Unlike routine constipation, this condition often requires medical intervention to remove the blockage and prevent serious complications.
You may experience one or more of the following signs that stool is trapped:
Several factors can lead to fecal impaction:
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Constipation refers to infrequent or hard stools that can often be relieved with diet changes or over-the-counter remedies. Fecal impaction is a severe blockage of hardened stool in the rectum or lower colon that usually requires medical intervention.
The ICD-10 code for fecal impaction is K56.41.
Early signs include rectal pressure or fullness, severe abdominal cramps or pain, and the leaking of small amounts of watery stool around the blockage.
Yes. An abdominal X-ray can reveal dense stool accumulation in the colon or rectum, confirming a fecal impaction.
Mild cases of constipation may improve with increased fluid intake, fiber, and gentle laxatives. True fecal impactions often require professional medical treatment such as manual removal or enemas.
Higher risk groups include older adults, individuals on opioid or anticholinergic medications, those with neurological disorders affecting bowel function, and people with limited mobility.
Some patients experience immediate relief after treatment, while others may need several days to weeks of dietary adjustments, hydration, and follow-up care to fully recover.
Yes. Gastroenterologists are trained to safely perform manual disimpaction and administer enemas or suppositories in the office to clear the blockage.
Long-term management often includes a high-fiber diet, adequate daily fluid intake, regular exercise, scheduled bowel routines, and periodic medical follow-up to prevent recurrence.
If you experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or if home remedies fail to relieve symptoms within 48 hours, you should seek evaluation by a gastroenterologist.
