Fecal Impaction

How is the condition diagnosed?

Often, the healthcare provider can push on the abdomen and feel the enlarged intestines that are full of stool. An abdominal x-ray may be taken to confirm the diagnosis. Obstruction of the bowel can occur for different reasons, so the bowel is usually emptied with an enema or laxative first. Then, a barium enema is done to look at the inside of the bowel. These tests can show whether there is cancer or an infection causing an obstruction.