Suggest Treatment For Removal Of Dried Impacted Feaces After The Failure Of Laxatives And Enema

Posted on Sat, 3 Feb 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 3 Feb 2018 Answered on

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : MY Mom is 84 and hasn’t been able to have BM for 5 days we have tried stool softness and mineral pool enema

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Manual disimpaction.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns but since laxatives and enema were not successful then probably you are suffering from fecal impaction that will need manual disimpaction either by the doctor or by your caregiver.

This occurs through introducing a suppository, then after ten minutes your caregiver or your doctor should introduce a finger with gentle circular movement and remove the dried impacted feaces.

This might be an uncomfortable and slightly painful procedure and might require topical Lidocaine cream to decrease the discomfort.

I hope I answered your question.

Regards,
Dr. Salah Saad Shoman, Internal Medicine Specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana