FECAL IMPACTION

Years ago, opium extracts were widely used in the treatment of diarrhea.  In addition to relieving pain, opium, morphine, and heroin slow peristalsis (the rhythmic contraction of the intestine that propels the food we eat along the digestive tract).

The heroin addict often suffers from chronic constipation and may go for several weeks without having a bowel movement.  When the body of this addict was autopsied, a huge mass was found distending the large intestine.  When the intestine was opened, the mass was found to be 22 pounds of fecal matter.  This is an unusually large amount, but it provides a graphic example of what can happen.

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