Distal colonic impaction requiring laparotomy in an adult with cystic fibrosis.

A sigmoid fecal impaction leading to colonic obstruction in an adult with cystic fibrosis was evacuated at laparotomy by manual compression of the inspissated stool through the rectum. In cystic fibrosis beyond infancy, constipation is a common management problem. Intestinal obstruction caused by inspissated stool in the terminal ileum and cecum has been well documented; however, distal colonic obstruction requiring operation has not been previously reported.