Phytobezoar occurring as a complication of gastric carcinoma

Phytobezoar occurring as a complication of gastric carcinoma is reported for the first time. A review of the pathogenesis of phytobezoar suggests that hypomotility and hyposecretion are the two most important factors in bezoar formation. In the case discussed, hypomotility as a consequence of neoplastic involvement of the gastric antrum was the most important precipitating factor. However, documentation of prior hyposecretion was also noted and suggests that a combination of these two factors may be more significant than each taken alone. The therapeutic management of bezoars in patients who are not candidates for surgery is frequently difficult. This is the third case in which the enzyme cellulase has been used successfully for bezoar dissolution.