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Published on: July 14, 2017
Dissolution of pharmacobezoar using carbonated beverage
R Harikumar1, Pramod Kunnel, R Sunilraj
1Department of Gastroenterology, Century Hospital, Alapuzha, Kerala, India. harikumnair@yahoo.co.in
Summary
A pharmacobezoar, a mass of undigested medication, was successfully dissolved using a carbonated beverage. This treatment also revealed an underlying stomach adenocarcinoma in the patient.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Bezoars are indigestible masses in the gastrointestinal tract, often linked to motility disorders or anatomical issues.
- Pharmacobezoars, specifically, arise from undigested medications and can cause significant complications.
- Current treatments for gastric pharmacobezoars include endoscopic fragmentation and surgery.
Observation:
- A 67-year-old male presented with a pharmacobezoar.
- The patient's pharmacobezoar was treated via infusion and direct injection of a carbonated beverage.
Findings:
- The carbonated beverage successfully dissolved the pharmacobezoar.
- Endoscopic examination following treatment revealed an underlying gastric adenocarcinoma.
Implications:
- Carbonated beverages may offer a minimally invasive treatment option for gastric pharmacobezoars.
- This case highlights the importance of investigating underlying pathologies after bezoar treatment.
- Early detection of gastric adenocarcinoma can be facilitated by evaluating bezoar formation.
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