Encopresis overview

Encopresis Microchapters
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Encopresis, from the Greek κοπρος (kopros, dung) is involuntary "fecal soiling" in children who have usually already been toilet trained. Children with encopresis often leak stool into their underwear.

Epidemiology and Demographics

The estimated prevalence of encopresis in 5-year-olds is ~1-3%. The disorder is thought to be more common in males than females, by a factor of 3 to 1.

Diagnosis

Abdominal X Ray

An abdominal x-ray may confirm impacted stool in the colon.

Treatment

Primary Prevention

Because the causes often are obscure, prevention is difficult. As a general rule, refrain from too early and too coercive toilet training.