Coprostasis

Generality

The coprostasis is the stagnation of the faeces in the rectum, followed by their hardening and drying.
Due to constipation, coprostasis is responsible for various symptoms, including: inability to defecate, abdominal discomfort, fecal incontinence, nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, weight loss, dehydration, fever, confusion, tachycardia, increased respiratory rate etc.

For an accurate diagnosis of coprostasis, the following are essential: physical examination, digital rectal exploration, anamnesis and an instrumental test to be chosen between radiography of the abdomen, barium enema and sigmoidoscopy.
The coprostasis requires a causal treatment, to avoid relapses, and a symptomatic therapy, to free the intestine of dry and hard stools.
If treatment is timely, coprostasis has a benign prognosis.