Fecaloma, also called fecalitis, is the mass of hard, dry stools that can build up in the rectum or the latter part of the intestine, preventing stool from coming out and causing abdominal swelling, pain and chronic intestinal obstruction.
This is most common in people bes prostrate in bed and the elderly due to decreased bowel movements.In addition, people who do not have adequate nutrition or who do not perform physical activity are more likely to develop fecalomas.
- Treatment varies depending on the degree of obstruction and hardening of the stool.
- And can be done with the use of laxatives or manual removal.
- Which should be performed in the hospital by a gastroenterologist or nurse.
- If the laxatives do not work.
Fecaloma is the main complication of chronic constipation and can be identified through the following symptoms:
It is important to go to the gastroenterologist as soon as the first symptoms appear so that the tests can be requested and appropriate treatment can be initiated The diagnosis is made by the doctor by analyzing the symptoms presented by the person and imaging tests, such as the x-ray of the abdomen, in case of suspected fecaloma located in the intestine.Your doctor may also scan your rectum for faecal residue.
Fecaloma is most common in the elderly and people with reduced mobility, as faeces are difficult without complete removal of stool, which remains in the body and eventually dry and hardens.
In addition, certain situations, such as Chagas disease, for example, can lead to the formation of fecalomas.Other situations that may promote fecaloma include sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, low water intake, medication use and constipation.
Treatment of fecalomas aims to eliminate hardened mass of faeces and thus unlock the digestive system, so the gastroenterologist may recommend the use of suppositoriums, washes or cleaners to stimulate the elimination of fecalomas.
However, when none of the treatment options are effective or bowel obstruction is severe, your doctor may recommend manual removal of the fecaloma, which can be performed by your doctor or nurse in the hospital.
It is important that the fecaloma is treated as soon as it is identified to avoid complications, such as fissures, hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, chronic constipation, or megacolon, for example, which corresponds to a large bowel dilation and difficulty in stool removal.and gases. Learn more about megacolon.
Also know what to eat to avoid trapped intestines and therefore fecalomas by watching the following video: