Rectal tenesmus (Latin, from Greek teinesmos, from teinein to stretch, strain) is a feeling of incomplete defecation. It is experienced as an inability or difficulty to empty the bowel at defecation. It is frequently painful and may be accompanied by involuntary straining and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Vesical tenesmus is a similar condition, experienced as a feeling of incomplete voiding despite the bladder being empty.
Often, rectal tenesmus is simply called tenesmus. The term rectal tenesmus is a retronym to distinguish defecation-related tenesmus from vesical tenesmus.[1]
[edit] Considerations
Tenesmus is characterized by a sensation of needing to pass stool, accompanied by pain, cramping, and straining. Despite straining, little stool is passed. Tenesmus is generally associated with inflammatory diseases of the bowel, which may be caused by either infectious or noninfectious conditions. Conditions associated with tenesmus include:
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "Wrong Diagnosis". http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/rectal_tenesmus.htm. Retrieved 2007-07-09.
- ^ Nephrolithiasis: Acute Renal Colic, Stephen W Leslie. eMedicine.
[edit] External links
