Postgastrectomy phytobezoars--endoscopic diagnosis and treatment

Arch Surg. 1985 Apr;120(4):432-5. doi: 10.1001/archsurg.1985.01390280026006.

Abstract

Thirty-three consecutive patients with 38 bezoars were identified since 1975. Twenty-nine patients (87.8%) had undergone previous gastric surgery. The average interval between surgery and bezoar diagnosis was 7.7 years. There were 14 men and 19 women (mean age, 61.5 years). Epigastric distress (84%) and weight loss (31%) were the most common complaints. Twenty-two (75.9%) of 29 barium studies were falsely negative. Attempts at prior enzymatic dissolution had failed in three patients. Three (13.6%) of 22 patients available for follow-up had multiple episodes of bezoar formation. All patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy for diagnosis and concomitant fragmentation and "flushing" of the bezoar for resolution. The success rate was 100%; no complications occurred.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bezoars / diagnosis*
  • Bezoars / etiology
  • Bezoars / therapy
  • Duodenoscopy
  • Esophagoscopy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gastrectomy / adverse effects*
  • Gastrointestinal Contents
  • Gastroscopy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged