Fecal impaction by Spiny Monkey-orange seeds

Abstract

Introduction: Fecal impaction is characterized by the presence of compact feces in the rectum or colon, which cannot be evacuated. Eating the fruit of the Spiny Monkey-orange tree (Strychnos spinosa Lam), which contains numerous seeds, is a dietary habit in some African countries. Objective: To describe the particularities of the diagnosis and treatment of fecal impaction due to the ingestion of Spiny Monkey-orange seeds. Clinical case: 12-year-old male, who ingested a large quantity of Spiny Monkey-orange seeds; he couldn't defecate or pass gas; She had abdominal and anal pain. Physical examination revealed tachycardia, abdominal distension, and increased air-fluid noises. A rectal examination revealed impaction with a stony consistency. When the extraction was not possible, in the emergency room, the fecal mass was fragmented and extracted, through the anus, with anesthetic sedation. Conclusions: The ingestion of Spiny Monkey-orange seeds is a dietary habit in Africa and the bezoars or fecal impaction that this habit can produce are not considered a health problem. For the diagnosis it is necessary the antecedent of the ingestion of the fruit, to carry out an exhaustive physical examination of the abdominal and anorectal regions and finally, the extraction of the fecal mass.

Keywords

• impactación fecal
• bezoares
• semillas.