| Theme |
Gastrointestinal Disease Due to Blood Flow Damage |
| Title |
Stercoral Ulcer |
| Author |
Mitsuo Nagasaka |
Department of Gastroenterology, Fujita Health University |
| Author |
Naoki Ohmiya |
Department of Gastroenterology, Fujita Health University |
| [ Summary ] |
Stercoral ulcer is a colonic ulcer caused by irritation and pressure of the fecal mass that interferes with adequate blood flow. It usually occurs in elderly patients who are bedridden for prolonged periods. Symptoms occur suddenly after severe constipation, and painless melena is observed. Controlling defecation tends to cure this condition. Endoscopic hemostasis is the first-choice treatment in patients presenting with bleeding in whom the affected blood vessels are clearly visualized. This condition needs to be distinguished from rectal mucosal prolapse syndrome and acute hemorrhagic rectal ulcer. |