II. Pathophysiology
- Fecal Impaction may cause bowel wall inflammation
- Stercoral Ulcers may result in pressure necrosis from firm, immobile stool mass
III. Risk Factors
- Chronic debility or immobility resulting in severe Constipation and impaction
IV. Imaging
- Stercoral Colitis
- CT Abdomen diagnosis demonstrates significant Fecal Impaction with secondary bowel wall inflammation
- Wide spectrum of severity (with risk of bowel perforation in severe cases)
V. Management: Stercoral Colitis
- Start with manual disimpaction followed by enemas
- Older or debilitated patients may require hospitalization for aggressive bowel management
- Surgery Consultation Indications
VI. References
- Swaminathan and Shoenberger (2026) EM:Rap, 4/27/2026