Mystique of Bezoars

ABSTRACT

We present a case report documenting an unusual case of small bowel obstruction due to phytobezoar which required exploratory laparotomy in a middle aged man with history of peptic ulcer surgery done two decades before. Bezoars are large conglomerates of vegetable fiber, hair or concretions of various substances in the gastrointestinal tract and patients with gastric surgery are at increased risk of development. The advent of acid reducing drugs and H. pylori eradication therapy has led to dramatic reduction in the need for surgical treatment of uncomplicated peptic ulcer. Thus, gastrointestinal bezoars are encountered less frequently than in the past but still may be a complication following gastrectomy for malignant disease, a procedure still undertaken frequently in regions where the disease is endemic. Whilst uncommon it is of interest to gastroenterologist and general surgeons as well as general practitioners who see patients with a previous history of gastric surgery