Phytobezoar as a late complication of vertical banded gastroplasty

ABSTRACT

In the last two decades, bariatric surgery has become a popular mean for treating morbid obesity. Although the newer procedures are claimed to have less complications than the older ones, the world is still at a learning curve. Numerous complications of this surgery are known and require recognition to be appropriately treated. Phytobezoar is one of the rare late complications following Bariatric surgery and various factors can contribute to its development including hypochlorhydria, diminished antral motility, and incomplete mastication. The case being presented is a rare case of gastric outlet obstruction due to phytobezoar almost two years following vertical banded gastroplasty. The patient was successfully treated with Sodium Docusate, which is a faecal softener and weak stimulant laxative. To our knowledge, this is the first case report presenting such a complication following vertical banded gastroplasty. Phytobezoar should be considered in the differential diagnosis of epigastric symptoms in patients with a history of gastric surgery. Sodium docusate was an effective medical therapy in this patient