Fecal impaction happens when a hard lump of stool gets stuck in the rectum or colon. It becomes too large or dry to pass normally and often requires medical treatment to avoid complications. The ICD-10 code for fecal impaction is K56.41. At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, we offer safe, gentle care to diagnose and treat this condition.
People with fecal impaction may experience:
Several factors can lead to fecal impaction:
Fecal impaction can be painful, but it is treatable. At GastroDoxs in Cypress, our experienced team is ready to help you find relief and maintain digestive health. Call us today or book your appointment online to get personalized, compassionate care and avoid future complications.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Most people cannot pass solid stool when impaction occurs. Occasionally, liquid stool may leak around the blockage, but a normal bowel movement usually won't happen without treatment.
Yes. A large, hard mass of stool in the lower bowel can press on surrounding nerves and tissues, leading to lower back discomfort or pain.
Yes. If left untreated, fecal impaction can lead to bowel damage, tears in the rectal lining, or serious infections that require more advanced medical care.
Yes. A mild fever can develop if the rectum becomes inflamed or if bacteria collect around the impacted stool, leading to infection.
Diagnosis typically involves a review of your symptoms, a physical or rectal exam, and sometimes imaging tests (like an abdominal X-ray or ultrasound) to confirm the presence of hardened stool.
Manual removal of the impacted stool or an enema to soften and flush it out is often the fastest way to relieve the blockage. Laxatives and dietary changes may also be used.
Mild cases sometimes improve with increased fluids, dietary fiber, and mild over-the-counter laxatives. However, you should always consult your doctor before attempting home treatments to avoid complications.
Prevent recurrence by eating a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of water daily, maintaining regular physical activity, and never ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement.
Contact your healthcare provider if you haven't had a bowel movement in several days and experience worsening pain, nausea, vomiting, or other concerning symptoms.
At GastroDoxs, our experienced team offers fast, gentle relief of impacted stool, clear explanations of all treatment options, and personalized plans to help you avoid future problems.
