Gastric bezoars: treatment and prevention.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopic procedures

Background:

• Gastric bezoars are indigestible concretions that can form in the stomach.
• They often arise secondary to gastric surgery, leading to impaired pyloric function, reduced gastric motility, and decreased acidity.
• Cimetidine therapy is another identified risk factor for bezoar formation.

Observation:

• Patients commonly present with symptoms such as epigastric fullness, regurgitation, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• A large phytobezoar (a bezoar composed of plant material) was observed.
• The bezoar impeded normal gastric function.

Findings:

• A novel, minimally invasive treatment approach was employed.
• A Teledyne Water Pik jet stream, delivered through a gastroscope, was utilized.
• This method successfully fragmented the large phytobezoar.

Implications:

• This endoscopic technique offers a simple and effective solution for managing large gastric bezoars.
• The Water Pik method represents a potentially preferred treatment option for phytobezoars.
• Wider adoption of this endoscopic approach could improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for more invasive procedures.