A new medical device applied in a case of acute fecal impaction with overflow diarrhea: a case report

J Med Case Rep. 2024 Mar 6;18(1):89. doi: 10.1186/s13256-024-04407-4.

Abstract

Background: Fecal impaction is a digestive system disease, that is most common in the elderly population and becomes more prevalent with increasing age. Manual removal can successfully remove the impaction in 80% of fecal impaction cases. In severe cases, endoscopy and surgery may be necessary.

Case presentation: A 78-year-old Han Chinese man living in a nursing home was diagnosed with fecal impaction; his initial symptom was overflow diarrhea, which is a rare occurrence with regard to fecal impaction. Nevertheless, we were able to effectively treat this situation by employing a new medical device that presents a novel method for addressing fecal impaction.

Conclusion: Early identification of fecal impaction with atypical symptoms is crucial to provide proper emergency management. A safe and noninvasive treatment method, especially for elderly patients with fecal impaction, should be chosen.

Keywords: Emergency; Fecal impaction; Medical device; Overflow diarrhea.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Asian People
  • Diarrhea / etiology
  • Diarrhea / therapy
  • Fecal Impaction* / complications
  • Fecal Impaction* / diagnostic imaging
  • Fecal Impaction* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male