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:
When fecal impaction strikes, you need prompt, expert care you can trust. At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, our compassionate team combines gentle diagnostics with personalized treatment plans to relieve discomfort quickly and safely. We focus on long-term prevention through dietary guidance, bowel retraining, and ongoing support. Don't wait-call us today or book your appointment online to get the relief you deserve and restore your digestive health.
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.
We perform a physical exam, including a digital rectal exam, and may use imaging studies such as abdominal X-rays or ultrasound to confirm the presence and location of impacted stool.
The ICD-10 code for fecal impaction is K56.41, which is used for accurate medical documentation and insurance billing.
Yes. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can slow bowel motility, and the growing uterus may compress the intestines, increasing the risk of constipation and impaction.
Fecal impaction is a buildup of hardened stool lodged in the rectum or colon. A bowel obstruction is a complete blockage of intestinal contents, often causing severe pain, vomiting, and inability to pass gas or stool.
If you haven't passed stool for several days, have severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or notice leakage of watery stool, you should seek medical attention promptly.
Mild cases may improve with increased hydration, a high-fiber diet, and gentle exercise. However, persistent or severe impactions require professional treatment to prevent complications.
Manual disimpaction can be uncomfortable, but at GastroDoxs we use numbing medication or light sedation to minimize discomfort and ensure a safe, gentle procedure.
Prevention includes a fiber-rich diet, adequate fluid intake, regular physical activity, establishing a consistent bowel routine, and using stool softeners or laxatives as directed-especially if you're on constipating medications.
Yes. Opioids often slow intestinal motility, leading to constipation and increased risk of impaction. A proactive bowel regimen is recommended when starting opioid therapy.
Most patients experience significant relief within 24 to 48 hours of appropriate treatment, with improved bowel movements and reduced discomfort soon after.
