Giant fecaloma with idiopathic sigmoid megacolon: report of a case and review of the literature

Dis Colon Rectum. 2002 Jun;45(6):833-5. doi: 10.1007/s10350-004-6306-x.

Abstract

Purpose: Fecal impaction is a common condition, and " fecaloma" is an extreme variety of impaction. This is a report of a giant, solitary, and stubborn fecaloma not responding to nonoperative management. A surgical intervention for uncomplicated fecal impaction is rarely needed and reported in the literature.

Method: A 39-year-old male patient with constipation presented with a firm, mobile, abdominal mass of six-months duration. Investigations revealed an isolated, giant fecaloma in a redundant sigmoid megacolon. After all the conservative measures were unsuccessful in evacuating the stubborn impaction, he was treated by sigmoid colectomy and primary anastomosis.

Conclusion: A timely surgical intervention in recalcitrant fecal impactions may prevent possible stercoral ulcer perforation with a high mortality.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anastomosis, Surgical
  • Colectomy*
  • Constipation / complications
  • Fecal Impaction / complications
  • Fecal Impaction / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Megacolon / etiology*
  • Megacolon / pathology
  • Sigmoid Diseases / etiology*
  • Sigmoid Diseases / pathology
  • Sigmoid Diseases / surgery*