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Gastrointestinal Bezoars in Children: Clinical Characteristics, Contributing Factors, and Treatment Outcomes

Chia-Ying Lin1, Mi-Chi Chen2, En-Shuo Chang1

  • 1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan City 333423, Taiwan.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 28, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Phytobezoars are the most common bezoars in children, often linked to gastrointestinal issues. Larger bezoars or those in the lower GI tract, particularly trichobezoars, frequently require surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Surgery

Background:

  • Bezoars are undigested masses in the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Understanding pediatric bezoar types and causes is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the types of bezoars in pediatric patients.
  • To identify factors contributing to bezoar formation.
  • To analyze treatment outcomes for pediatric bezoars.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study at a tertiary medical center (2000-2023).
  • Included pediatric patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal bezoars.
  • Data reviewed included demographics, symptoms, imaging, and clinical course.

Main Results:

  • 25 pediatric patients (median age 12.0 years) studied.
  • Phytobezoars (56%) were most common, followed by trichobezoars (20%) and lactobezoars (12%).
  • Gastrointestinal anomalies (60%) and neuropsychiatric disorders (44%) were common contributing factors. Surgery was needed for 56% of patients, with trichobezoars and larger/lower GI bezoars more likely to require surgical intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Phytobezoars are the predominant type in children.
  • Gastrointestinal anomalies and neuropsychiatric disorders are significant contributing factors.
  • Trichobezoars, larger bezoars, and those in the lower GI tract have a higher probability of needing surgical treatment.
Abstract

Keywords:
bezoarchildrengastrointestinal

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