Encopresis

Synonyms

Fecal soiling; Primary encopresis; Secondary encopresis; Soiling

Definition

Encopresis is characterized by the involuntary, and in some cases voluntary, passage of fecal matter in inappropriate places. Encopresis most commonly takes two forms, primary encopresis and secondary encopresis. Primary encopresis involves unintentional soling on the part of children over the age of four who have never attained autonomy in voiding (e.g., who are not toilet trained). Conversely, secondary encopresis pertains to fecal soiling among children who have attained autonomy in voiding (e.g., have been successfully toilet trained).

Description

According to Philiohi [12], the term encopresis originates from the Greek word kopros, which is used to refer to stool. Encopresis is characterized by the involuntary, and in some cases voluntary, passage of fecal matter in inappropriate places. This elimination disorder most commonly takes two forms, primary encopresis and secondary