Intentional ingestion of plaster for suicide: A case report and literature review

Bezoars are indigestible masses in the gastrointestinal tract, classified by their composition. Plaster ingestion is a rare and often suicidal act. Plaster hardens in the stomach, risking obstruction or perforation. This case highlights the clinical challenges associated with managing plaster-induced bezoars and underscores the importance of prompt surgical and psychiatric intervention in such rare presentations.

A 47-year-old man with a history of depression and daily methadone use presented to the emergency department with epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting 48 h after ingesting a mixture of plaster and water in a suicide attempt. Abdominal radiography revealed a large, radiopaque gastric mass. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy confirmed a solidified plaster bezoar causing mucosal injury. An emergency gastrotomy was performed, successfully removing a 20 × 15 × 20 cm plaster cast from the stomach.

Plaster ingestion, though rare, can cause gastric outlet obstruction due to rapid hardening. Radiopaque masses on imaging. Early cases may respond to gastric irrigation or endoscopic management; however, delayed presentations typically require surgical intervention.

Plaster ingestion is a rare but life-threatening cause of gastric bezoar that often necessitates surgical intervention in delayed cases. This case emphasizes urgent management, psychiatric follow-up, and awareness of complications to improve outcomes in such uncommon presentations. Early recognition and intervention are critical to prevent severe consequences.