A Case of Fecal Impaction Misdiagnosed as Functional Diarrhea with Symptoms of Fecal Incontinence and Anal Pain Improved by Korean Medical Treatment: A Case Report

Objective: The aim was to investigate the effect of traditional Korean medical treatment in treating fecal incontinence and anal pain, which may appear to be functional diarrhea based on patients’ statements but which are actually due to fecal impaction.Case presentation: The patient was treated with Hyangsayangyi-tang-gagam, Jowiseunggi-tang Ex., and Sogunjung-tang three times a day and acupuncture twice a day. Crotonis fructus powder was taken once during admission. The visual analog scale was used to evaluate anal pain. The patient reported the extent of the pain every day on a scale between 0 and 10. The Bristol stool scale was used to classify stools based on consistency and form. Additionally, the number of instances of fecal incontinence was checked. After treatment, it was confirmed that the patient’s complaints had subsided.Conclusion: This case report suggests that traditional Korean medical treatment with detailed examination can be effective in relieving fecal incontinence and anal pain.