STERCORAL ABSCESS Meaning and
Definition
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A stercoral abscess is a localized collection or pocket of pus that forms within the rectum or sigmoid colon as a result of an obstruction or impaction of feces. The term "stercoral" is derived from the Latin word "stercus," meaning feces, and "abscess" refers to a confined pocket of infected material.
This condition typically occurs when hardened fecal matter becomes trapped and accumulates within the intestinal lumen. The pressure caused by the buildup of stool can lead to tissue damage and inflammation, eventually leading to the formation of an abscess. Stercoral abscesses are often seen in individuals with chronic constipation, especially in elderly individuals or those with underlying bowel disorders.
Symptoms of a stercoral abscess may include severe abdominal pain or discomfort, rectal bleeding, fever, and changes in bowel habits. The affected individual may also experience signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or swelling around the anus.
The diagnosis of a stercoral abscess typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) scans, and blood tests. Immediate treatment usually consists of surgical drainage of the abscess along with antibiotic therapy to combat the underlying infection. In some cases, surgical removal of the impacted stool may also be necessary to prevent recurrence.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing stercoral abscesses to prevent complications such as perforation of the bowel, peritonitis, or sepsis. Long-term management often involves addressing the underlying cause of constipation and promoting healthy bowel habits through dietary modifications, increased fluid intake, and exercise.
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A collection of pus mixed with fecal matter.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for STERCORAL ABSCESS
- atercoral abscess
- ztercoral abscess
- xtercoral abscess
- dtercoral abscess
- etercoral abscess
- wtercoral abscess
- srercoral abscess
- sfercoral abscess
- sgercoral abscess
- syercoral abscess
- s6ercoral abscess
- s5ercoral abscess
- stwrcoral abscess
- stsrcoral abscess
- stdrcoral abscess
- strrcoral abscess
- st4rcoral abscess
- st3rcoral abscess
- steecoral abscess
- stedcoral abscess
Etymology of STERCORAL ABSCESS
The word "stercoral abscess" is derived from Latin and Greek roots.
The term "stercoral" comes from the Latin word "stercus", which means "feces" or "excrement". This word was likely used to describe an abscess that is associated with fecal matter.
The word "abscess" comes from the Latin word "abscessus", which means "a going away" or "a departure". In medical usage, it refers to a localized collection of pus that can occur in various parts of the body.
Thus, the term "stercoral abscess" refers to an abscess that is related to fecal matter, usually occurring in the rectum or anus.
