Use of Gastrografin in the Management of Fecal Impaction in Patients With Severe Chronic Constipation

Inclusion Criteria: 1. A confirmed presence of fecal impaction diagnosed based on the following conditions: large amount of hard stool (impacted faecaloma) in colon or rectum; abdominal radiography was performed for assessment. 2. Rome III criteria for chronic constipation present for ≥8 weeks. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients with a history of colorectal surgery or an organic cause of constipation; pregnancy. 2. Patients with long-term medical conditions potentially associated with constipation (ie, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, hypothyroidism, spinal and gastric anomalies). 3. Patients with medical or psychiatric illness. 4. Patients with abnormal laboratory data or thyroid function.