Should you use your finger to remove stool if your constipation is severe? Let's talk about this (Digital Disimpaction)

We have all experienced the discomfort of going to the toilet on some days, and the inability to pass stool no matter how hard we try. This is a common problem for many people. But what if this situation becomes very serious, that is, if the stool becomes stuck in the rectum like a stone and cannot be expelled in any way? Today we are going to talk about a special procedure that doctors perform in such cases. This is called 'Digital Disimpaction'.

Simply put, what is Digital Disimpaction?

This name may sound like a big deal, but its meaning is very simple. 'Digit' means finger. So, Digital Disimpaction is the process where a doctor or trained health professional uses their fingers to break up and remove stool that is stuck in the rectum. This is sometimes called `manual disimpaction`. This is done when the bowel movement has stopped completely and other treatments have not helped.

Why would someone need this kind of treatment?

Okay, now you might be thinking, "Why would I want to do something like this? Can't I just take a regular pill to fix this?" In fact, a doctor will only resort to this method as a last resort. Before that, they will try other treatments, such as stool softeners or an enema, which involves putting a liquid into the rectum to help pass stool.

But if none of that works, this treatment may be necessary in the following cases.

How is this treatment performed?

This may sound a little awkward and embarrassing. But remember that this is being done to give you quick relief. This procedure is usually done in the doctor's office or hospital. In some severe cases, the patient may be sedated (anesthetized) and this may be done in the operating room.

During treatment:

1. You will be turned to one side on the examination bed, with your knees bent towards your stomach, and you will be made to lie down.

2. The doctor or nurse will carefully insert a gloved, lubricated finger into your anus.

3. Then, move that finger around or through the stuck stool, breaking it into small pieces.

4. Finally, the pieces are carefully removed one by one, freeing the rectum from the blockage.

Can you make this yourself at home?

No! You should never try to do this at home alone.

This is very important. This procedure should only be performed by a trained medical professional who is familiar with the delicate structure of our rectum and intestines. The damage that can occur if done incorrectly is much more serious than you might think.

Serious complications that can occur if you try to do this yourself:

• Heart rhythm disorders (`Arrhythmia`): The heartbeat can become irregular due to incorrect nerve stimulation.
• Damage to the walls of the rectum and intestine: Delicate tissues can be torn, causing bleeding or serious injuries (perforation).
• Fainting: Overstimulation of the Vagus Nerve can cause fainting and loss of consciousness.

Therefore, if you have a situation like this, please see your doctor immediately.

What are the benefits and risks of this treatment?

As with any medical treatment, there are benefits and minor risks.

Advantages

The biggest advantage of this treatment is quick relief.

• This treatment relieves symptoms such as stomach ache, nausea, and loss of appetite caused by severe constipation.It disappears within a few minutes.
• Serious complications that can occur due to fecal impaction can be prevented. For example:
• Intestinal bleeding or ulcers.
• Fecal incontinence is the uncontrolled release of liquid stool from a blocked bowel movement.
• Gastrointestinal Perforation.
• Abnormal enlargement of the colon (`Megacolon`).

Risks

When performed correctly by a trained professional, the risks are very low. However, minor complications that may occur include:

• Anal fissures.
• Minor damage to the anus or the muscle in it (anal sphincter).
• Infection.
• As mentioned earlier, very rarely, stimulation of the vagus nerve can cause temporary changes in heart rate or fainting.

What happens after treatment?

Since this is not a surgical procedure, it doesn't take long to recover. In most cases, you can resume normal activities within minutes of the procedure (unless you are under anesthesia). However, it's best to ask your doctor when it's best to resume activities like lifting weights or exercising.

If the following symptoms appear after treatment, it is important to seek medical advice again.

• Stomach pain
• Recurrence of constipation
• Diarrhea
• Appetite
• Nausea