Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Stercoral Colitis With an Aggressive Bowel Regimen

A Case of Stercoral Colitis Complicated by Ischemic Colitis in a Young Patient

“…The sigmoid colon and the rectosigmoid colon are the most common sites of fecal impaction; this is due to their narrower colonic diameter leading to higher intraluminal pressure. As a result, colonic ulceration is seen in 27% of cases of stercoral colitis, with 77% occurring in the rectosigmoid and sigmoid colon [ 7 ].…”

“…However, about 50% of uncomplicated stercoral colitis is managed conservatively without the need for surgical intervention [ 8 ]. Making a prompt diagnosis and initiating manual fecal disimpaction and an aggressive bowel regimen decreases complications of stercoral colitis and therefore reduces the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease [ 7 ].…”

Stercoral Colitis: Case Study Report

“…If there are no signs of peritonitis or perforation, the patient receives a CT abdominal and pelvis with IV contrast. CT imaging findings will commonly find fecalomas, focal wall thickening of the colon, potential ulcerations, a proximally dilated colon, and pericolic or perirectal fat stranding [2].…”

“…Therefore, individuals that may experience chronic constipation such as the elderly, patients with dementia, bed bound patients, or patients with coexisting psychological conditions are the most commonly affected populations. This condition is also more prevalent in females than males [2].…”

A case of colonic obstruction combined with ischemic colitis

“…The best way to prevent stercoral colitis is to prevent constipation and fecal impaction. Early diagnosis of fecal impaction should prompt aggressive bowel cleansing and manual disimpaction, 11 which may reduce intraluminal pressure, thus decreasing the risk of subsequent bowel wall ulceration and ischemic colitis. Diagnostic delays can lead to ischemic colitis, bowel perforation, and subsequent septic shock.…”