Published on: 7/4/2025
What are the common causes of pencil thin stools?
Pencil thin stools can be caused by changes in bowel function, such as those occurring after surgeries like hysterectomy, but they are not necessarily a sign of serious illness.
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Explanation
Pencil thin stools, sometimes referred to as low caliber stools, can occur for a variety of reasons. According to the medical literature, these types of stools are not always indicative of a serious condition.
Post-Surgical Changes: One study suggests that changes in bowel function, such as those that may occur after a hysterectomy, can lead to alterations in stool shape and consistency.
Misconceptions: Another source emphasizes that low caliber or pencil thin stools are not definitive signs of specific diseases, contradicting common misconceptions that they are always linked to severe conditions.
It's important to note that while pencil thin stools can occasionally be a sign of a health issue, they are not inherently alarming and can result from benign changes in bowel habits.
(References)
- Borhan-Manesh F. (2009). "Low caliber stool" and "pencil thin stool" are not signs of .... Digestive diseases and sciences, 18683051.
- Aneese AM, Manuballa V, Amin M, & Cappell MS. (2017). Bladder urothelial carcinoma extending to rectal mucosa .... World journal of gastrointestinal endoscopy, 28690772.
- van Dam JH, Gosselink MJ, Drogendijk AC, Hop WC, & Schouten WR. (1997). Changes in bowel function after hysterectomy. Diseases of the colon and rectum, 9369110.
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