TOPIC. Fecal impaction, a review of the literature. PURPOSE. To review the definition, diagnosis, causes, signs and symptoms, and treatment of fecal impaction. SOURCES. Published literature. CONCLUSIONS. While a great deal has been published on fecal impaction, there is limited research. Clarification of when constipation changes to impaction is ambiguous. Causes of fecal impaction are multiple, and people can be afected at all ages. Signs and symptoms of and problems associated with fecal impaction are varied. Research-based treatment of fecal impaction is very limited, and nonresearch based treatment varies. There is a need for additional research to clarify terminology, diagnosis, and interventions.