[Treatment of the gastric bezoar by endoscopy]

This paper deals with our experiences in a group of patients with gastric bezoars who were treated endoscopically. A group of 7 patients, 5 women and 2 men, from 41 to 62 years of age, with the diagnosis of bezoar was studied. In 6 cases both the clinical and roentgenographic diagnosis was bezoar; in one case the diagnosis was not established before endoscopy. Endoscopic studies were performed to confirm the diagnosis and for treatment. The bezoars were fragmented, under endoscopic observation, with the biopsy mechanism and, after removal of the endoscope, gastric lavage was done through a 12 mm. tube for removal of the bezoar fragments. Postendoscopically all patients were given metoclopramide and new films were take at one week. Confirmation of complete removal of the bezoars was also obtained by subsequent endoscopic control. No complications were observed in any of the patients. We propose that endoscopic removal of bezoars is the treatment of choice because it lowers morbility, mortality and eliminates the need for surgery as well as lowering hospitalization time.