2. Manual Stool Removal
If laxatives and suppositories fail to resolve the issue, a healthcare provider may need to manually remove the impacted stool by hand as a direct method of cleansing the colon.
3. Enemas
Enemas are another option to cleanse the colon. They involve injecting a liquid into the rectum that moistens the impacted stool, making it easier to pass. A doctor may use this method alone or in combination with manual stool removal.
4. Water Irrigation
Water irrigation involves the use of a tube connected to a device that pumps water into the colon through the rectum. This softens the hardened stool, increasing the chance of its expulsion.
Causes of Fecal Impaction
Several factors can lead to fecal impaction, and understanding these causes is crucial for prevention:
1. Chronic Constipation
Prolonged constipation can cause stool to harden in the colon, making it difficult to pass.
2. Overuse of Laxatives
Frequent use of laxatives can make the body dependent on them for bowel movements, leading to more severe constipation and fecal impaction.
