Fecal impaction

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Digestive system

Digestive system organs

A fecal impaction is a large mass of dry, hard stool that can develop in the rectum due to chronic constipation. This mass may be so hard that it cannot come out of the body. Watery stool from higher in the bowel may move around the mass and leak out, causing soiling.

Impaction of the bowels

Certain people are at greater risk for developing chronic constipation, which can lead to fecal impaction. Patients at risk include those who:

• Take certain drugs:
  • Any type of narcotic pain medication
  • Methadone maintenance treatment for drug addiction
  • Anticholinergic medications (drugs that affect the interaction between certain nerves and muscles)
  • Antidiarrhea medications
• Have limited ability to move, such as bedridden patients with dementia, or patients with cerebral palsy

Review Date: 10/13/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.