Differential Diagnosis for Incomplete Evacuation of Stool
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Hemorrhoids: This is often the most common cause of incomplete evacuation of stool, as hemorrhoids can cause discomfort and pain during defecation, leading to incomplete emptying of the bowel.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Constipation: This is a common condition that can cause incomplete evacuation of stool due to hard or lumpy stools that are difficult to pass.
- Anal fissure: Similar to hemorrhoids, anal fissures can cause pain during defecation, leading to incomplete evacuation.
- Rectal prolapse: This condition can cause a sensation of incomplete evacuation due to the prolapse of the rectal mucosa into the anal canal.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Colorectal cancer: Although less likely than hemorrhoids or constipation, colorectal cancer is a critical diagnosis that must not be missed, as it can present with symptoms of incomplete evacuation, especially if the tumor is located in the rectum.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause symptoms of incomplete evacuation, among other symptoms like diarrhea, blood in stool, and abdominal pain.
Rare Diagnoses
- Rectal foreign body: Although rare, a foreign body in the rectum can cause a sensation of incomplete evacuation, along with other symptoms like pain and discomfort.
- Neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis): Certain neurological conditions can affect bowel habits and cause symptoms of incomplete evacuation due to impaired bowel motility or coordination.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: This includes conditions like dyssynergic defecation, where there is an inappropriate contraction of the pelvic floor muscles during attempts to defecate, leading to incomplete evacuation.