Sometimes we have a little difficulty in defecating, our stomach feels dry. That's normal. But sometimes this condition becomes very severe, and the stool becomes hard like stones and gets stuck in the rectum, and there is no way to pass it out. This is a very painful and uncomfortable experience. It feels like our stomach is full, we can't eat, and we feel nauseous. At such times, if other treatments are not successful, today we are talking about a special treatment that a doctor performs. It may be a little embarrassing to talk about this, but this is a very important health issue.
Simply put, what is Digital Disimpaction?
This name may sound like a big deal, but it's actually quite simple. Digital Disimpaction is the process where a qualified doctor or healthcare professional uses their finger (digit) to remove stool that is stuck in your rectum. This is also called manual disimpaction.
Simply put, the doctor will carefully insert a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum, break up the hard stool into small pieces, and remove them. This will free the blocked rectum and give you immediate relief.
Why is this kind of treatment necessary?
This is not something that everyone can do. A doctor will recommend this treatment as a last resort. Usually, when you have constipation, your doctor will try other treatments first. For example:
- Stool softeners
- Medicine that expels the stomach ( laxative )
- Enema
If none of these things work, that is, if the stool is severely blocked in the rectum (we call this Fecal Impaction ), then we should consider Digital Disimpaction.
There are several main reasons why this situation can occur:
- Severe constipation: When you go days without a bowel movement, the stools become dry and hard like rocks inside your body.
- Some health conditions: Conditions such as pelvic floor dysfunction can cause the bowel movement to not function properly.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as painkillers, can cause constipation.
- Aging: Conditions like this can also occur as the body's functions decrease as we age.
How this treatment is performed
This is usually done in the doctor's office. However, if your condition is very severe and the pain is severe, you may need to be put under anesthesia and have this done in an operating room.
During the treatment, you will be turned to one side of the examination table and asked to keep your knees bent towards your stomach. The doctor will then follow these steps:
1. First, put on gloves and apply a good amount of lubricant.
2. Then, the finger is very carefully inserted into your anus.
3. Crush the stuck stool with your finger and separate it into small pieces.
4. Finally, the small pieces are taken out and the rectum is completely cleaned.
Although you may feel some discomfort during this process, the doctor will do it as carefully and gently as possible.
Most importantly: Can this be done at home by yourself?
Do not attempt to do this yourself or have someone without medical training do it for any reason . This is very dangerous and can cause serious complications.
This is the most important thing you need to remember from this article. Going it alone is like running down the street blindfolded. Think about what could happen if you do:
- Damage to the rectum and intestines: The walls of your rectum and colon are very delicate. If you try to do this without training, these walls can be injured, torn, or even perforated by a nail or the wrong amount of pressure.
- Heartbeat Irregularities (Arrhythmia): There is an important nerve in our body (the `Vagus Nerve`) near the anus. If this is stimulated incorrectly, the heart rate can suddenly decrease, making you faint (`fainting`) or causing dangerous changes in heart function.
- Serious infections: If you do this without cleaning your hands properly and wearing gloves, you can get a serious bacterial infection.
Therefore, this should only be done by a qualified medical professional, such as a doctor or nurse.
| Benefits of being a doctor | Risks if you try to do it yourself |
|---|---|
| Immediate relief (abdominal pain, nausea). | Tearing or injury to the walls of the rectum (Anal Fissures) . |
| Preventing serious complications (such as intestinal perforation). | Irregular heartbeat (Arrhythmia) and fainting. |
| Carrying out the process in a safe and controlled manner. | The occurrence of serious infections. |
| Investigating the cause of constipation and prescribing further treatment. | Damage to the anal sphincter muscles. |
What happens after treatment?
Since this is not a surgery, you can recover quickly. You can return to your normal activities within a few minutes after the treatment is over. However, if you had this done under anesthesia, you will need to rest for a while as directed by your doctor. Ask your doctor when it is best to resume activities such as lifting weights and exercising.
If you still have these symptoms after treatment, be sure to see your doctor again:
- Stomach pain
- Persistent constipation
- Diarrhea
- Appetite
- Nausea
It's normal to feel embarrassed and uncomfortable when thinking about this treatment. However, severe constipation and stool retention are conditions that can lead to serious complications if ignored. So don't be afraid or embarrassed to talk to your doctor about this. Together, you can make a good plan to prevent this condition from happening again and stay healthy.
Take-Home Message
- Digital Disimpaction is a treatment method that should only be performed by a qualified physician in cases of severe stool obstruction, after other treatments have failed.
- Never try to do this yourself at home. It is very dangerous and can cause serious health problems.
- This treatment provides immediate relief from painful constipation and helps prevent serious complications.
- Constipation is a common health problem. Don't be ashamed of it, and talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you have any concerns.
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