Related Experiment Videos
Nonoperative management of persimmon bezoar. A successful modification of traditional papain therapy
Abstract:
The soft phytobezoars occurring in the postoperative stomach may be readily removed by enzyme digestion and manipulation. In contrast, the persimmon bezoar (diospyrobezoar) has been persistently to such treatment and has required surgical removal. Experience with unsuccessful attempts at enzyme digestion in a number of such patients led to the experimental use of a "soaking" technic which satisfactorily dissolved two of three large persimmon bezoars and shrank the remaining foreign body sufficiently so that it could be removed endoscopically by way of the esophagus. A concomitant gastric ulcer healed uneventfully on medical therapy.
Insights
Persimmon bezoars (diospyrobezoars) resist enzyme digestion and often require surgery. A new soaking technique successfully dissolved or shrunk two of three large persimmon bezoars for endoscopic removal.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Endoscopy
Background:
- Soft phytobezoars are typically manageable with enzyme digestion and manipulation.
- Persimmon bezoars (diospyrobezoars) present a treatment challenge, often necessitating surgical intervention due to their resistance to conventional methods.
Observation:
- Enzyme digestion proved ineffective for several large persimmon bezoars.
- A novel "soaking" technique was experimentally applied to these resistant bezoars.
Findings:
- The soaking technique successfully dissolved two out of three large persimmon bezoars.
- The third bezoar was sufficiently shrunk by the technique to allow for endoscopic removal.
- A co-existing gastric ulcer resolved with standard medical therapy.
Implications:
- This soaking method offers a less invasive alternative to surgery for persimmon bezoars.
- Endoscopic removal following this technique may become a viable treatment option.
- Further research could refine this endoscopic approach for bezoar management.