Compression of the intestinal lumen due to a hardened mass of stool (fecal impaction) is a less common cause of mechanical large-bowel obstruction, most often occurring in elderly patients with chronic constipation.
True
False
True. Fecal impaction can obstruct the colon when a rock-hard fecaloma lodges in the rectosigmoid or proximal colon, producing distention, pain, and obstipation. However, epidemiologic reviews show that the majority of large-bowel obstructions are produced by colorectal cancer, diverticular strictures, or volvulus. Fecal impaction is therefore classified as an uncommon but important etiology, particularly in frail, immobilised, or opioid-treated patients. Prompt recognition allows non-operative therapies such as enemas, osmotic laxatives, or manual disimpaction, reserving surgery for complications like stercoral perforation.
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