title: Stercoral perforation of the rectum.
abstract: Stercoral perforation of the rectum is an uncommon complication of chronic constipation and is therefore often not considered as a differential in patients presenting to primary health-care facilities. Unfortunately, until awareness of this rare but potentially life-threatening disorder is raised patients will continue to be misdiagnosed and potentially suffer from poorer outcomes. We review the literature and discuss a case of rectal perforation and its management.
authors.affiliation: Redcliffe Hospital, Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia. cindy.oakenful@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Cindy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Oakenful
authors.forename: Andreas L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Lambrianides
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003248:Constipation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005244:Fecal Impaction / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D012007:Rectum / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology