Disorders of defecation

Disorders of defecation encompass various issues related to bowel movements. Common symptoms include constipation, diarrhea, and fecal incontinence. Constipation involves difficulty passing stools, often accompanied by hard or infrequent bowel movements. Diarrhea is characterized by frequent, loose, or watery stools. Fecal incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of stool. These disorders may result from conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or neurological disorders. Proper diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and sometimes additional tests such as colonoscopy or imaging studies. Treatment options vary and can include dietary changes, medication, and in some cases, surgery. Managing these symptoms often requires a multimodal approach tailored to the underlying cause.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology