Imaging
Stool Impaction
- Preliminary Diagnosis: Stool impaction
-
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis
- II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of stool impaction.
-
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
-
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
- V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of stool impaction.
- VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
Preliminary Diagnosis: Stool impaction
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis
Plain radiography (kidneys, ureters and bladder, KUB)
II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of stool impaction.
Advantages
Inexpensive and efficient way to diagnose constipation and fecal impaction.
Minimal exposure to ionizing radiation
Disadvantages
Obstructing lesions and masses or focal areas of stenosis and stricturing, causing obstruction and fecal impaction, are not well appreciated on plain radiography.
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
There are no significant contraindications to plain radiography. Some institutions may require consent for pregnant patients.
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
Computed tomography (CT)
V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of stool impaction.
Computed tomography (CT)
Advantages
May help localize an obstructing lesion or focal area of stenosis or stricture that may lead to a distal colonic obstruction and secondary stool impaction.
Disadvantages
Exposure to ionizing radiation
VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
Computed tomography (CT)
Contraindicated in pregnant patients, especially within the first two trimesters.
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