Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026

A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction
Published on: March 5, 2018
An unusual cause of small bowel obstruction in children: lentil soup bezoar
Christos Plataras1, Nektarios Sardianos, Stephanos Vlatakis
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, General Hospital of Nikea, Piraeus, Greece.
Abstract:
Bezoars are an unusual cause of acute intestinal obstruction in children. Most cases are trichobezoars in adolescent girls who swallow their hair. Lactobezoars are another unusual but occasionally reported cause of intestinal obstruction in neonates. Phytobezoars and food bolus bezoars are the least common types of intestinal obstruction that have been reported in children. Of the few paediatric cases that have been described, the majority involve persimmons. Moreover, all of these cases involve the ingestion of raw fibres or fruit that have not been cooked. We report a case of a girl who presented with acute ileal obstruction because of lentil soup bezoar. Given the wide use of this otherwise nutritional foodstuff, we highlight the danger from its inappropriate preparation to the health of children. This is the first reported case of intestinal obstruction caused by lentils in children and we hope to raise concern among paediatricians regarding this matter.
Related Concept Videos
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
Pyloric Obstruction
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Appendicitis
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...

