steatorrhea

     

Steatorrhea is the formation of non-soli feces. Stools may also float due to excess fat from malabsorption, have an oily appearance and be foul smelling. An oily anal leakage or some level of fecal incontinence may occur. There is increased fat excretion, which can be measured by determining the fecal fat level. While definitions have not been standardised, fat excretion in feces in excess of 0.3 (g/kg)/day is considered indicative of steatorrhea.