Obstrucción intestinal por fecaloma gigante en adolescente con enfermedad de Hirschsprung

La enfermedad de Hirschsprung (EH) es infrecuente y la mayoría de los escasos casos se presentan en neonatos, raramente se diagnostica durante la adolescencia y menos son los casos documentados. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 16 años quien experimentó 15 días de estreñimiento, anorexia, vómitos postprandiales y distensión abdominal. Los exámenes imagenológicos mostraron un fecaloma masivo que obstruía el colon, y el examen anatomopatológico señaló EH. Ante el fracaso de medidas conservadoras de evacuación se realizó una hemicolectomía izquierda ampliada y una colostomía, más apendicectomía por obstrucción intestinal. El paciente fue dado de alta con antibioticoterapia. Este caso resalta la importancia de considerar EH en adolescentes con estreñimiento crónico y masas abdominales. Aunque los pacientes pueden experimentar problemas postoperatorios, la cirugía es el tratamiento más efectivo para la EH.

Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is uncommon, and most of the cases occur in neonates. It is rarely diagnosed during adolescence, and even fewer cases are documented. We present the case of a 16-year-old male who had 15 days of constipation, anorexia, postprandial vomiting and abdominal distension. Imaging examinations showed a massive fecaloma obstructing the colon, and histopathological examinations showed HD. Given the failure of conservative evacuation measures, an extended left hemicolectomy and colostomy were performed, plus appendectomy for bowel obstruction. The patient was discharged with antibiotic therapy. This case highlights the importance of considering HD in adolescents with chronic constipation and abdominal masses. Although patients may experience postoperative problems, surgery is the most effective treatment for HD.

Apendicolito libre postapendicectomía

El apendicolito libre postapendicectomía es una complicación rara que puede ocurrir como consecuencia de la salida del apendicolito del apéndice debido a una perforación previa o al no identificar el apendicolito. El fecalito generalmente se vuelve sintomático con el tiempo, debido a la formación de un absceso, obstrucción intestinal, trayecto fistuloso o inflamación del muñón apendicular. Se describen dos casos de apendicolito libre postapendicectomía. Caso 1: mujer de 23 años, que fue sometida a una apendicectomía un día antes, ingresó por emergencia por presentar dolor en el hipogastrio. En la tomografía computarizada (TC) se evidenció un apendicolito libre en la fosa iliaca derecha, y en la laparoscopía diagnóstica se observaron abscesos intraabdominales y un apendicolito libre en el muñón apendicular. Caso 2: varón de 77 años de edad, que fue operado de apendicitis aguda causada por apendicolitos, presentó distensión abdominal al sexto día del posoperatorio. La TC reveló obstrucción intestinal y la presencia de apendicolito libre a nivel de las interasas intestinales; en la reintervención quirúrgica se evidenció erosión del mesenterio por causa del apendicolito. En ambos casos, los pacientes evolucionaron favorablemente después de las reoperaciones. Se desconoce actualmente la incidencia del apendicolito libre después de una apendicectomía, pues se dispone de pocos datos en la literatura a nivel mundial. Por tal motivo es importante la presentación de estos casos, para poder ampliar la casuística y contribuir al conocimiento de los apendicolitos libres postapendicectomía. Asimismo, permite evidenciar sus complicaciones si no son removidos precozmente y cómo prevenirlos. Conclusión: los apendicolitos libres postapendicectomía deben extraerse precozmente para evitar complicaciones.

Dropped appendicolith following an appendectomy is a rare complication which may occur as a consequence of appendicolith expulsion from the appendix due to a previous perforation or failure to identify the appendicolith. A fecalith generally becomes symptomatic over time, as a result of abscess formation, intestinal obstruction, fistula tract or inflammation of the appendiceal stump. Two cases of dropped appendicolith following an appendectomy are described hereinbelow. Case 1: A 23-year-old female patient, who underwent an appendectomy the previous day, was admitted to the emergency room due to hypogastric pain. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a dropped appendicolith in the right iliac fossa, and a diagnostic laparoscopy showed intra-abdominal abscesses and a dropped appendicolith in the appendicular stump. Case 2: A 77-year-old male patient, who underwent surgery for acute appendicitis caused by appendicoliths, showed abdominal distension on the sixth postoperative day. The CT scan revealed intestinal obstruction and a dropped appendicolith at bowel loops. In the surgical reintervention, erosion of the mesentery caused by the appendicolith was evidenced. Both patients progressed after the reoperations. The incidence of dropped appendicolith following an appendectomy is currently unknown since few data are available in the literature worldwide. Therefore, it is important to present these cases to expand the casuistry, learn more about dropped appendicoliths following an appendectomy, demonstrate their complications if they are not removed early and show how to prevent them. In conclusion, dropped appendicoliths following an appendectomy must be removed early to avoid complications.

Profile of Functional Constipation in Children at a Referral Hospital

Objective: To study the social, demographic and clinical profile of functional constipation (FC) in children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in a tertiary-care hospital to assess prevalence and profile of functional constipation among children (1-18 years) using Rome IV diagnostic criteria. Results: Children with FC constituted 5.56% (87/ 1565) of hospital attendees. 64.4% were between 2-6 years old and 48.3% had a past history of use of laxatives. Painful defecation was the commonest (62.1%) presenting symptom, while avoidance to school toilet was the commonest (25.3%) precipitating factor. Fecal impaction was present in 70.1% children. Conclusion: Functional constipation was the commonest cause of constipation, and a majority of these children had associated fecal impaction.

Clinical value of endoscopic release therapy for fecal impaction in colorectal diverticulum / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical value of endoscopic release therapy for fecal impaction in the colorectal diverticulum.Methods:Data of patients with fecal impaction in the colorectal diverticulum who received endoscopy in Shantou Central Hospital from January 2018 to September 2020 were included in this study. Among them, 85 patients treated with endoscopic release therapy were assigned to the observation group (2 patients were excluded from the observation group due to acute appendicitis), and 43 patients receiving no treatment were assigned to the control group. The relief of abdominal symptoms was used as an index to evaluate the clinical value of endoscopic release therapy for fecal impaction in the colorectal diverticulum.Results:In the observation group, 42.2% (35/83) were successfully released at one time. The successful comprehensive measures accounted for 25.0% (12/48) of the first release failure, and the total success rate was 56.6% (47/83). There were no complications related to endoscopy in the observation group. One week after the treatment, patients in the observation group were followed up by telephone. Among the 45 patients who were successfully released, positive symptoms of 30 patients disappeared or significantly improved with the effective rate of 90.9% (30/33). Among the 38 patients who failed to release the fecal impaction, 19 had positive symptoms and 16 improved in varying degrees with the effective rate of 55.2% (16/29). The overall effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group [55.4% (46/83) VS 7.0% (3/43)], showing significant difference( χ2=23.354, P<0.01). The effective rate were significant differences in the successful release group [65.2% (30/46)], unsuccessful release group [29.7% (11/37)] and the control group [7.0% (3/43), χ2=33.792, P<0.01]. By pairwise comparison, the effective rate of the successful release group was the highest, followed by the unsuccessful release group, and that of the control group was the lowest with significant difference ( P<0.017). Conclusion:The endoscopic release therapy for fecal impaction in the colorectal diverticulum is relatively simple, which can relieve and reduce related symptoms, avoid complications, missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis, and show definite curative effects. When colorectal diverticulum with fecal impaction is found in the process of endoscopy, it is of great practical significance to release the incarcerated feces by means of different methods.

Complicación mortal de colitis estercorácea en paciente octogenaria / Fatal complication of stercoral colitis in octogenarian patient

La colitis estercorácea se describe como un proceso inflamatorio que afecta a la pared colónica en relación con el aumento de la presión intraluminal por impactación fecal . Se presenta generalmente en ancianos con múltiples comorbilidades, lo que puede facilitar la aparición de complicaciones potencialmente mortales. Debido a sus síntomas inespecíficos, requiere del uso de imágenes diagnósticas para instaurar un tratamiento precoz . Se presenta un caso clínico, diagnosticado en nuestro centro, de colitis estercorácea complicada con múltiples abscesos hepáticos piógenos.

Stercoral colitis is an inflammatory process of the colonic wall caused by increased luminal pressure resulting from fecal impaction. It is generally seen in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities which facilitate potentially fatal complications. Diagnostic imaging is required for initiation of prompt treatment as its symptoms are non-specific. We present a clinical case of stercoral colitis complicated by multiple pyogenic hepatic abscesses diagnosed in our centre.

Differentiation between stercoral perforation and colorectal cancer perforation

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To determine the computed tomography (CT) signs associated with stercoral perforation and colorectal cancer perforation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2003 to Feb. 2015, all surgically and pathologically confirmed patients with stercoral perforation (n=8, mean age 68.3 years) or colon cancer perforation (n=11, mean age 66.3 years) were retrospectively reviewed by two board-certified radiologists blinded to the proven diagnosis. The following CT findings were evaluated and recorded for each patient: wall thickness of the distal colon adjacent to perforation site, pattern of the colon wall thickening and enhancement, length of the thickened bowel wall, presence of fecaloma, degree of proximal colon dilatation, and pericolonic inflammation or presence of pericolonic abscess, and number of enlarged pericolonic lymph nodes. These findings were correlated with the pathologic diagnosis. RESULTS: The mean thickness of the distal colonic wall adjacent to the perforation site was 13.6 mm in patients with colorectal cancer perforation and 5.1 mm with stercoral perforation, which was statistically different. There was a significant correlation between colorectal cancer perforation and eccentric wall thickening (p<0.01). CT findings of layered enhancing wall thickening (p<0.01) and the presence of fecaloma in the proximal colon (p<0.01) were significant findings for stercoral perforation. Patients with colorectal cancer displayed more pericolonic lymph nodes (mean 2.27, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Fecaloma in the proximal colon and layered enhancing wall thickening adjacent to perforation site are likely due to stercoral perforation. Eccentric bowel wall thickening at the distal portion of the perforation site with many enlarged pericolonic lymph nodes is most likely due to colorectal cancer perforation.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Determinar os sinais de CT associados à perfuração estercoral e perfuração do câncer colorretal. MÉTODOS: De maio de 2003 a fevereiro de 2015, todos os pacientes cirurgicamente e patologicamente confirmados com perfuração estercoral (n = 8, idade média de 68,3 anos) ou perfuração de câncer de cólon (n = 11, idade média de 66,3 anos) foram revisados retrospectivamente por dois radiologistas certificados por placa cegados ao diagnóstico comprovado. Os seguintes achados CT foram avaliados e gravados para cada paciente: espessura da parede do cólon distal adjacente ao local da perfuração, padrão de espessamento e realce da parede do cólon, comprimento da parede intestinal espessada, presença de fecaloma, grau de dilatação do cólon proximal e inflamação pericolônica ou presença de abscesso pericolônico e número de linfonodos pericolônicos aumentados. Esses achados foram correlacionados com o diagnóstico patológico. RESULTADOS: A espessura média da parede colônica distal adjacente ao local de perfuração foi de 13,6 mm em pacientes com perfuração de câncer colorretal e 5,1 mm com perfuração estercoral, que foi estatisticamente diferente. Houve uma correlação significativa entre a perfuração do câncer colorretal e o espessamento da parede excêntrica (p < 0,01). Os achados de CT de espessamento de parede aprimorada em camadas (p < 0,01) e presença de fecaloma no cólon proximal (p < 0,01) foram achados significativos para perfuração estercoral. Os pacientes com câncer colorretal apresentaram mais linfonodos pericolônicos (média 2,27, p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O fecaloma no cólon proximal e o espessamento da parede que aumenta a camada adjacente ao local da perfuração são provavelmente devidos à perfuração estereocálica. O espessamento da parede intestinal excêntrica na porção distal do local da perfuração com muitos gânglios linfáticos pericolônicos aumentados é provavelmente a perfuração do câncer colorretal.

Clinical Characteristics of Children Needing Inpatient Treatment after Failed Outpatient Treatment for Fecal Impaction / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: Treatment of chronic constipation and fecal impaction is usually outpatient and requires high or frequent doses of laxatives. However, there are children who fail outpatient treatments, sometimes repeatedly, and are ultimately hospitalized. We sought to compare the characteristics of the children who failed outpatient treatment and needed inpatient treatment vs those who achieved success with outpatient treatment, in an effort to identify attributes that might be associated with a higher likelihood towards hospitalization. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed the medical records of all patients aged 0 to 21 years, with chronic functional constipation and fecal impaction seen in the pediatric gastroenterology clinic over a period of 2 years. RESULTS: Total of 188 patients met inclusion criteria. While 69.2% were successfully treated outpatient (referred to as the outpatient group), 30.9% failed outpatient treatment and were hospitalized (referred to as the inpatient group). The characteristics of the inpatient group including age at onset of 3.6±3.6 years (p=0.02); black ethnicity (odds ratio [OR] 4.31, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.04–9.09); p < 0.001); prematurity (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.09–5.26; p=0.02]; developmental delay (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.12–4.33; p=0.02); overflow incontinence (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.12–4.53, p=0.02); picky eating habits (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.00–4.08; p=0.04); number of ROME III criteria met: median 4, interquartile range 3–5 (p=0.04) and 13±13.7 constipation related prior encounters (p=0.001), were significantly different from the outpatient group. CONCLUSION: Identification of these characteristics may be helpful in anticipating challenges and potential barriers to effective outpatient treatment.

Reliability of barr, leech, and blethyn score in using of plain radiography in determining fecal impaction in children with and without constipation / Confiabilidade de pontuação dos escores de Barr, Leech e Blethyn no uso de radiografia simples na determinação da impactação fecal em crianças com e sem constipação

ABSTRACT Background - Several scoring was developed for evaluation of children with fecal retention using plain radiograph. There are controversies about specificity and sensitivity of these scoring system. Objectives - The aim of this study was to evaluate Barr, Blethyn, and Leech score in evaluation of fecal load in plain radiograph. Methods - This case control study was conducted on children aged 2-14 years old with abdominal pain who visited Abuzar children's Hospital of Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences. This study was conducted in fall season. Children with history of previous abdominal surgery, any systemic illness including sickle cell anemia were excluded. Children with constipation were placed in case group. Subjects without constipation were placed in control group. Subjects without exclusion criteria were examined by physician who is blind to aim of the study. Careful history and physical examination was done. Demographic features, history of gastrointestinal problem, duration of abdominal pain, defecation habit, stool consistency (loose, hard), and results of physical examination were recorded. Rome III criteria was used for definition of constipation. Abdominal x-ray was ordered for each patients. Abdominal radiography was reviewed by radiologist. Barr, Leach, and Blethyn scores were calculated for each case. Results - In this study 102 children with functional constipation and 102 children without constipation as a control were included. Mean ±SD for case and control group was 68.39±34.88 and 69.46±32.60 (P=0.82).Leech score (mean ±SD) was 11.05±2.177 and 5.67±3.228 for case and control group respectively (P<0.0001). Barr score (mean ±SD) was 14.86±3.54 and 7.16±5.59 for case and control group respectively (P=<0.0001). Blethyn (mean ±SD) score was 1.97±0.667 and 1.04±0.900 for case and control group respectively (P=0.000). Sensitivity and specificity of Barr score was 83% and 79% respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of Leech score was 92% and 80% respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of Blethyn score was 79% and 92% respectively. Conclusion - Barr, Blethyn and Leech scores were significantly higher in children with abdominal pain and constipation in contrast to children with abdominal pain and without constipation. Sensitivity of Leech score was more than Barr and Blethyn scoring systems. Specificity of Blethyn score was more than Barr and Leech score.

RESUMO Contexto - Diversos métodos de pontuação utilizando a radiografia simples foram desenvolvidos para a avaliação de retenção fecal em crianças. Há controvérsias sobre a especificidade e sensibilidade destes sistemas de pontuação. Objetivo - O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os sistemas de escore Barr, Blethyn e Leech na avaliação do conteúdo fecal pela radiografia simples. Métodos - Estudo de caso controle em crianças com idade entre 2-14 anos, com dor abdominal que consultaram o Abuzar children's Hospital of Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences, durante o outono. Crianças com história prévia de cirurgia abdominal, com qualquer doença sistêmica, incluindo anemia falciforme, foram excluídas. Crianças com constipação foram inseridas no estudo e crianças sem constipação inseridas no grupo controle. Pacientes sem critérios de exclusão foram examinados por médico que ignorava o objeto do estudo. Foram realizadas história clínica e exame físico cuidadosos. Foram registradas as características demográficas, a história do problema gastrointestinal, a duração da dor abdominal, os hábitos intestinais e evacuatórios, a consistência das fezes (duras, amolecidas), e os resultados do exame físico. Os Critérios de Roma III foram usados para a definição de constipação. Radiografia simples do abdômen foi ordenada para cada paciente. Foram calculados os escores de Baar, Leech e Blethyn para cada paciente. Resultados - Foram incluídas neste estudo 102 crianças com constipação funcional e 102 crianças sem constipação como controle. A idade média com desvio padrão para o grupo paciente foi de 68.39±34.88 e de 69.46±32.60 para o grupo controle (P=0.82). O escore de Leech (média ±DP) foi de 11.05±2.1777 para pacientes e de 5.67±3.228 para o grupo controle (P<0.0001). A pontuação de Barr (média ± DP) foi 14.86±3.54 para pacientes e de 7.16±5.59 para o grupo controle (P=<0.0001). O escore Blethyn (média ±DP) foi de 1.97±0.667 para pacientes e de 1.04±0.900 para o grupo controle (P=0.000). A sensibilidade e especificidade para o escore de Baar foi de 83% e 79% respectivamente. Para o escore de Leech foi de 92% de sensibilidade e 80% de especificidade. O escore de Blethyn resultou em 79% de sensibilidade e especificidade de 92%. Conclusão - As pontuações de Baar, Blethyn e Leech foram significativamente maiores em crianças com dor abdominal e constipação em contraste com as crianças com dor abdominal e sem constipação. A sensibilidade de pontuação Leech foi maior do que os sistemas de pontuação Barr e Blethyn. Escore de Blethyn teve mais especificidade que as pontuações Barr e Leech.

Successful Removal of Hard Sigmoid Fecaloma Using Endoscopic Cola Injection / 대한소화기학회지

Colorectal fecaloma is hardening of feces into lumps of varying size that is much harder in consistency than a fecal impaction. Complications of colorectal fecaloma include ulceration, bleeding, perforation and obstruction of the colon. Most fecalomas are successfully removed by conservative treatment with laxatives, enemas and rectal evacuation to relieve fecal impaction. When conservative treatments have failed, a surgical intervention may be needed. Herein, we report a case of 4.7 cm sized sigmoid fecaloma showing no response to conservative treatments that was successfully removed by endoscopic fragmentation with Coca-Cola injection instead of surgery.

A Stercoral Perforation of the Rectum

A stercoral perforation of the rectum due to a fecaloma is a rare disease with a high mortality rate. Although multiple case reports of colonic perforations have been published, the data regarding rectal perforations are limited. This case report will highlight one such case of a stercoral rectal perforation that was successfully treated with a laparoscopic operation.

Abdominal Radiography for the Evaluation of Acute Fecal Impaction in Children in Pediatric Emergency Department: Comparison of Three Scoring Methods

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate suitable tools for an approach to acute fecal impaction by comparison of the Leech, Barr and Blethyn scoring methods in pediatric emergency department (PED). METHODS: Children with diagnosis of fecal impaction were included in this study at PED of Seoul National University Hospital. Of them, 50 children were randomly selected and their radiographs were independently scored on two occasions at two weeks intervals using three scoring methods by nine emergency physicians and one radiologist. Inter-observer and intra-observer agreement were assessed by calculating intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Likert scale was used to assess the easiness and effectiveness of Leech, Barr and Blethyn scoring methods. RESULTS: (I) Inter-observer agreement: The ICC values of the Leech, Barr and Blethyn were 0.861, 0.887, and 0.821 at first trial and 0.889, 0.891, and 0.827 at second trial, respectively (p0.8) were 5, 6 and 2 in Leech, Barr and Blethyn, respectively. (III) Easiness and effectiveness: The mean Likert scale of the Leech, Barr and Blethyn in easiness was 4.4, 1.4, and 3.9 and in effectiveness, 3.9, 2.9, and 3.2, respectively; it showed significant differences for both attributes (p<0.001, p=0.03, respectively). In post-hoc test, the Leech was assumed to be easier and more effective than Barr (p<0.001). However, no significant differences in easiness and effectiveness were observed between Leech and Blethyn (p=0.37, p=0.14, respectively). CONCLUSION: The Leech, Barr and Blethyn have all good inter-observer agreement. The Leech has been found to carry better intra-observer agreement than the other two, and may be one of the easiest and most effective tools for the evaluation of acute fecal impaction in children in PED.

Radiografia simples de abdome no diagnóstico da impactação fecal em crianças com constipação intestinal: comparação entre três escores radiológicos / Abdominal radiograph in the assessment of fecal impaction in children with functional constipation: comparing three scoring systems

OBJETIVOS: Comparar três escores radiológicos na pesquisa de impactação fecal em crianças com constipação intestinal. Verificar, ainda, se estes escores radiológicos são úteis na avaliação da terapia de desimpactação fecal e se apresentam relação com o tempo de trânsito colônico total. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Os escores de Barr, Blethyn e Leech foram aferidos por três observadores, de forma independente, em 123 radiografias de abdome. A concordância interobservador no diagnóstico da impactação fecal foi calculada para os três escores. Em 30 radiografias, foi feita a análise dos escores antes e após a desimpactação fecal. O tempo de trânsito colônico total foi calculado em 59 radiografias com o emprego de marcadores radiopacos. RESULTADOS: A concordância entre os pares de observadores, avaliada pelo coeficiente de Kappa, foi boa para os escores de Barr (0,56, 0,59 e 0,69) e Leech (0,53, 0,58 e 0,61). O escore de Blethyn apresentou menores coeficientes de Kappa (0,26, 0,32 e 0,36). Na comparação dos métodos, Leech e Barr mostraram boa correlação. Após a desimpactação fecal, houve redução estatisticamente significante (p < 0,001) dos escores, mais expressiva com o escore de Barr. Não houve relação entre os escores radiológicos e o tempo de trânsito colônico. CONCLUSÕES: Não há relação entre impactação fecal avaliada pela radiografia de abdome e o tempo de trânsito colônico total. A radiografia simples pode ser um instrumento útil ao diagnóstico da impactação fecal. O escore de Barr pode ser considerado um bom método de análise, sobretudo para avaliação da resposta ao tratamento da impactação fecal.

OBJECTIVES: To compare three radiological scores in the study of fecal impaction in children with constipation. To investigate whether these radiological scores are useful in the assessment of fecal disimpaction therapy and if they present a relation with total colonic transit time. METHODS: The Barr, Blethyn and Leech scores were measured by three observers, independently, in 123 abdominal radiographs. Interobserver agreement in the diagnosis of fecal impaction was calculated for the three scores. In 30 radiographs, the analysis of the scores was performed before and after fecal disimpaction. Total colonic transit time was calculated in 59 radiographs with the use of radiopaque markers. RESULTS: The agreement between pairs of observers was assessed by the kappa coefficient and was good for the Barr (0.56, 0.59 and 0.69) and Leech scores (0.53, 0.58 and 0.61). The Blethyn score presented lower kappa coefficients (0.26, 0.32 and 0.36). In the comparison of methods, Leech and Barr showed a good correlation. After fecal disimpaction, there was a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.001) of scores, most significantly with the Barr score. There was no relation between radiographic scores and colonic transit time. CONCLUSIONS: There is no relation between fecal impaction assessed by radiography of the abdomen and total colonic transit time. Plain radiographs may be a useful tool for the diagnosis of fecal impaction. The Barr score can be considered a good method of analysis, especially to assess the response to treatment of fecal impaction.

Stercoral Colitis Leading to Fatal Peritonitis and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / 대한법의학회지

The stercoral colitis is an inflammatory process involving the colonic wall related to fecal impaction. This rare condition usually has a poor prognosis. We experienced a death case where an 84 years old woman died of stercoral colitis complications after total knee arthroplasty surgery. The fatal complications were peritonitis with systemic inflammatory response syndrome, not accompanying bowel perforations. We would like to show the autopsy case of stercoral colitis and suggest the importance of early suspicion and treatment.

Clinical Outcomes of Stercoral Colitis / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Stercoral colitis is an inflammatory condition related to increased intraluminal pressure, itself caused by impacted fecal material. Stercoral colitis is a rare condition and has a generally poor prognosis. The aims of this study were to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of stercoral colitis according to management strategy. METHODS: From January 2004 to August 2009, 11 patients were diagnosed with stercoral colitis at our center. The medical records of these individuals were reviewed retrospectively with regard to the clinical characteristics, management strategy, and clinical outcomes. We defined severe stercoral colitis as stercoral colitis complicated by systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, or septic shock. RESULTS: Eleven patients (three men and eight women) with a mean age of 70+/-8 years were included. Ten patients were elderly with constipation as a predisposing factor. Nine patients had severe stercoral colitis according to out criteria. Of these, five patients underwent surgery, and the other four were treated with a conservative management strategy. One patient (20%) in the surgical group and all patients in the conservative management group (n=4) died. CONCLUSIONS: Stercoral colitis should be considered in elderly patients with predisposing factors and presents as fecal impaction with colonic wall thickening or pericolic fat stranding on CT scan. In patients with severe stercoral colitis, early surgery may be effective in reducing mortality.

Report of an Unusual Case With Severe Fecal Impaction Responding to Medication Therapy

Fecal impaction is a disorder characterized by a large mass of compacted feces in the rectum and/or colon, which cannot be evacuated. For mild and moderate fecal impaction, recommended treatments include stool softeners, oral mineral and olive oil, and edema; for severe fecal impaction, manual removal is needed and sometimes laparotomy may be indicated if medical therapies are not effective. Here we report a case with severe fecal impaction who did not defecate for 75 days. We treated this patient with vegetable oil, Chinese traditional medicine and enema in sequence. After 12 days of therapy, she evacuated hard fecal masses, and the symptoms were relieved.

Transient Intesinal Obstruction Due to Stool Impaction in the Elderly / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Acute intestinal obstruction is an urgent disease to be diagnosed and treated promptly. In elderly, fecal impaction may be an important and preventable cause of colonic obstruction. We investigated the clinical features of patients presenting with denical features of intestinal obstruction transiently due to fecal impaction. METHODS: From February 2001 to March 2004, nineteen patients were diagnosed as transient intestinal obstruction due to fecal impaction. We evaluated clinical characteristics, radiologic findings, sigmoidoscopic or colonoscopic findings and managements. RESULTS: Male and female ratio was 1:1.1. Mean age was 79.3 years. All 19 patients had abdominal pain and distension. On digital rectal examination, the hard feces was palpable in only 8 patients (42%) while others showed empty rectum. The abnormal laboratory findings included leukocytosis in 5 patients (26%), anemia in 10 patients (53%) and electrolyte abnormalities in 7 patients (37%). Simple abdominal X-rays showed diffuse small and/or large bowel dilatations. In only 3 patients (16%) air-fluid levels were definite, but most patients showed abundant feces in the rectum and colon. During emergency sigmoidoscopy, abdominal pain and distension were relieved and there were Bristol type 1 hard stool in the recto-sigmoid junction in 7 patients (37%) and multiple rectal ulcers in 1 patient. On colonoscopy, there were no mass or pathologic obstruction in all patients. Patients were discharged after the adequate medication and toilet training. CONCLUSIONS: In elderly patients, fecal impaction is odd and preventable cause of intestinal obstruction. It is often significant to differentiate fecal impaction from other pathologic conditions in patients with chronic constipation.

A Case of Stercoral Ulcer in the Proximal Colon / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Stercoral ulcer is the ulcerated colonic mucosa due to the pressure effects of hard, scybalous feces. It is a rare clinical entity that usually occurs in the elderly, or the bedridden patients with chronic constipation, and usually located in the rectosigmoid area. If stercoral ulcer is presented with fatal complications such as massive hemorrhage or perforation, emergent operation is needed. There has been very few reports of stercoral ulcer found in the proximal colon. We experienced an unusual case of stercoral ulcer in the proximal colon in a middle-aged woman who had not suffered any organic disease, and she recovered completely after medical conservative treatment only, so we report this case with a review of the literature.

Clinical characteristics of stercoral bowel obstruction and perforation of colon in elderly patients / 中华老年医学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the clinical features of stercoral bowel obstruction and perforation of colon in elderly patients MethodsThe data of 22 cases of stercoral bowel obstruction and 6 cases of stercoral perforation of colon in elderly patients in our hosital from January 1994 to December 2003 were analyzed retrospectively ResultsIn the 22 cases with stercoral bowel obstruction, 6 cases were recovered after operation, 6 cases suffered from stercoral perforation in which all cases were misdiagnosed before operation,and 2 cases were dead.ConclusionsThe prevalence of stercoral bowel obstruction and perforation of colon in elderly patients are increasing with population being aged. The cases without perforation are often recovered by non-operative therapy. The perforation case of stercoral bowel obstruction is relatively rare, easy to be misdiagnosed, and in high mortality. The Hartmanns ostomy should be the choice for the perforation.

Clinical Evaluation about RLQ Pain Seconary to Chronic Constipation (or Fecal Impaction): About DDx from caute appendicitis

There are many causes of the right lower quadrant(RLQ) abdominal pain. Although the most common underlying cause may be acute appendicitis, chronic constipation(or fecal impaction) is the cause in some portions. In review of 120 patients with chronic constipation between 1990 and 1996, we evaluated the clinical characteristics of the RLQ pain secondary to chronic constipation. In case of the RLQ pain secondary to chronic constipation, the key points in the DDx from the RLQ pain due to acute appendicitis are as follows. (1) RLQ pain in chronic constipation is characterized by dull pain and usually it has been complained for several weeks, several months or even several years in more than half. (2) The patients don't have accompanying G-I symptoms(such as anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain) in more than 90%. (3) The patient complains of mild tenderness in RLQ area in some cases but no rebound tenderness was found in any cases. (4) In almost all cases, WBC count in patient's blood is within normal limits and body temperature is under 37.0degrees C. (5) For the most part, simple abdomen X-ray finding shows large or moderate amount of fecal material in the colon. So I suggest that (a) DDx in the RLQ pain could be made between acute appendicitis & chronic constipation by above findings and (b) In case of chronic constipation we need not perform negative appendectomy and it could be managed by conservative management such as enema, laxatives, high fiber diet, etc. Conclusively, I mention that the rate of negative appendectomy would be able to be reduced a little by taking these points into consideration in the clinic.