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Impaction of Phytobezoar at Meckel's Diveticulum
Mohammad Masood Ur Rauf Hiraj Khan1, Junaid Zia Hashmi1, Naeem Lateef1
1Department of General Surgery, Nishtar Hospital, Multan, Pakistan.
Summary
Phytobezoars, masses of undigested food, can cause rare small bowel obstructions. Early diagnosis and surgical removal, alongside dietary changes, are key to preventing recurrence of these intestinal blockages.
Area of Science:
- Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Small bowel obstruction is a surgical emergency.
- Phytobezoars, masses of undigested vegetable matter, are a rare cause of intestinal obstruction.
Observation:
- A young patient presented with acute abdominal pain, distension, and constipation.
- Initial investigations suggested acute intestinal obstruction.
Findings:
- Exploratory laparotomy revealed a phytobezoar obstructing the small intestine at the origin of a Meckel's diverticulum.
- The patient underwent successful wedge resection and phytobezoar removal.
Implications:
- Phytobezoar formation is linked to dietary habits, including decreased fiber intake.
- Preventative measures include dietary modification and psychiatric evaluation to address potential contributing factors.
- This case highlights the importance of considering phytobezoars in the differential diagnosis of small bowel obstruction.