Fecal calculus, Coprolite (Faecalith)

Fecal calculus, Coprolite (Faecalith): what is it and how can it affect health?

Fecal calculus, Coprolite, or Faecalith is a solid formation that is formed from feces. It can be present in various parts of the intestine, but is mainly found in the appendix, a small appendage that connects the small and large intestines.

How is Fecal Calculus, Coprolite formed? The stool that passes through the intestines contains insoluble particles such as cellular debris, bacteria and food debris. With poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, certain diseases or other factors, the process of digesting food can slow down. This can cause large amounts of stool to accumulate in the colon and appendix.

When feces accumulate in the appendix, they can form a solid formation - Fecal calculus, coprolite. This formation can lead to poor circulation in the appendix, which can lead to inflammation. Inflammation of the appendix, in turn, can lead to serious complications and require immediate medical attention.

How do you know if you have Fecal Calculus or Coprolite? People usually do not know that they have Fecal Calculus, Coprolite, as it does not cause any symptoms. In most cases, it is discovered accidentally during diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound or laparoscopy.

What to do if you have a fecal calculus or coprolite? If a fecal calculus or coprolite is detected, but there are no symptoms, then treatment is usually not required. However, if you have symptoms of inflammation of the appendix, such as pain in the right lower abdomen, then this may be a sign of acute appendicitis. In this case, you need to consult a doctor who may recommend surgical removal of the appendix.

In conclusion, Fecal Calculus, Coprolite, is a hard formation that can form from stool and lead to inflammation of the appendix. To avoid possible complications, it is important to monitor your health, eat right, engage in physical activity and consult a doctor at the first signs of illness.



Faecalith is a small, hard fecal mass found primarily in the appendix. Coprolites often cause inflammation of the appendix (appendicitis).

Coprolites are formed as a result of hardening of feces and the accumulation of calcium and magnesium salts in the lumen of the appendix. Due to the narrowness of the lumen of the appendix, coprolite can completely or partially block the outflow of intestinal contents. This leads to an increase in intraluminal pressure, poor circulation and the development of inflammation - appendicitis.

Clinical manifestations of appendicitis caused by coprolite are usually acute development of pain in the right iliac region, nausea, and vomiting. Diagnosed by physical examination, blood tests, ultrasound and/or CT scan of the abdomen. Treatment consists of urgent surgical removal of the appendix (appendectomy).

Thus, coprolites in the appendix quite often cause the development of acute appendicitis, which requires timely diagnosis and urgent surgical treatment.