Coprostasis (Faecal Impaction)

Coprostasis - symptoms and causes.

**Coprostasis** (from the Latin copros - “feces” + “stagnation”) is a syndrome of prolonged difficult passage of feces from the colon into the rectum, as well as the resulting disruption of its digestion and absorption (synonym - constipation).

The primary factor causing coprostasis is the presence of an obstacle to the free passage of feces through the colon, leading to the development of colostasis, which is usually accompanied by inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. Depending on the morphological structure of the obstacle, separate forms of volvulus are distinguished: volvulus of the sigmoid colon, volvulus of the colon, and less often - volvulus of all parts of the large intestine. Coprostasis is characterized by a discrepancy between the intensity of the patient's straining and the expelled feces, their small portion and a decrease in the speed of movement. In addition, in advanced cases, the stool can be dry and dense, which leads to the forced formation of “trump cards” (lumps of feces) and contributes to the formation of intussusceptions [1]. Coprostasis may be accompanied by signs of digestive insufficiency syndrome. As a rule, we are talking about intolerance to fats, proteins and carbohydrates, but in some cases a lack of enzymes is recorded, which contributes to the development of a number of pathological processes in the small intestine [2]. The deterioration of the process of digestion of undigested food leads to an even greater increase in fermentation, absorption of water, fat, protein, carbohydrates with urine or bile and the formation of dense stools. Due to incomplete breakdown of food masses and a lack of enzymes, the patient notes excessive heaviness in the epigastric region, bloating, rumbling, and constipation. But the pain syndrome is usually mild, and patients often do not notice any discomfort. It is worth noting that with secondary sillostasia, in addition to the usual solid feces, hard fecal masses may also occur due to the formation of calcifications in the intestinal wall