Open AccessFecal Impaction Following Methadone Ingestion Simulating Acute Intestinal Obstruction
Author(s) -
Ian A. Spira,
Richard Rubenstein,
Deborah Wolff,
William I. Wolff
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
annals of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.153
H-Index - 309
eISSN - 1528-1140
pISSN - 0003-4932
DOI - 10.1097/00000658-197501000-00004
Subject(s) - medicine , fecal impaction , ingestion , impaction , methadone , feces , general surgery , anesthesia , gastroenterology , surgery , microbiology and biotechnology , constipation , biology
A hitherto unreported clinical entity, namely fecal impaction following methadone ingestion simulating acute intestinal obstruction, is described. Five cases admitted to the Surgical Service of the Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City are discussed. The nature and pathogenesis of the obstruction are analyzed and a suggested method of managing these cases is presented. It is emphasized that with expansion and increasing acceptance of Methadone Maintenance Treatment Programs, the number of such cases will increase. It is thus important that physicians become aware of the existence of this syndrome since involvement in methadone maintenance may be a life-long commitment for persons involved, thus increasing the incidence of the complication. It is also imperative to avoid unnecessary, and possibly harmful surgical intervention in such cases.