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Diospyrobezoar as a cause of small bowel obstruction

Andréia Padilha de Toledo1, Fernanda Hurtado Rodrigues, Murilo Rocha Rodrigues

  • 1São Francisco University Medical School.

Case Reports in Gastroenterology
|December 29, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Diospyrobezoars, or persimmon bezoars, can cause small bowel obstruction, especially in patients with prior gastric surgery. Early surgical intervention is crucial for managing this rare but serious complication.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Case Report

Background:

  • Phytobezoars are concretions of indigestible fibers, with diospyrobezoars originating from persimmon consumption.
  • Gastric surgery, particularly Billroth II hemigastrectomy, alters digestive anatomy and may predispose individuals to bezoar formation.

Observation:

  • A diabetic patient with a history of gastric surgery presented with symptoms of small bowel obstruction after consuming large quantities of persimmons.
  • Emergency laparotomy revealed an ileal obstruction caused by a phytobezoar, complicated by small bowel perforation and peritonitis.

Findings:

  • The phytobezoar was successfully removed, and the patient underwent segmental intestinal resection.
  • The patient recovered well postoperatively, highlighting the successful management of a complicated diospyrobezoar obstruction.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering diospyrobezoar as a cause of small bowel obstruction in post-gastric surgery patients.
  • Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are vital for favorable outcomes in such cases.
Keywords:
BezoarsDiospyros kakiIntestinal obstructionOperative surgical procedurePersimmon

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