Unusual Management of Fecal Impaction in an Adult With Functional Constipation: A Urological Adventure.

ABSTRACT

A 27-year-old male with a history of functional constipation presented for ileostomy closure. He had a 12-cm impacted rectal stool ball precluding safe ileostomy takedown. He underwent multiple unsuccessful attempts at removal, including colotomy, antegrade and retrograde enemas, and manual disimpaction. The urological team suggested a novel approach using lithotripsy. A 26-French rigid nephroscope and the Olympus ShockPulse SE ultrasonic lithotripter were utilized transanally to break up the impacted stool ball. The patient was discharged the same day without complication. Ultrasonic lithotripsy is an unusual yet effective modality for prolonged fecal impaction. By employing a unique, multidisciplinary technique, operative morbidity was avoided.