[Gastric phytobezoar]

A case of a large gastric phytobezoar (5 x 8 cm) is presented. It was diagnosed at operation in the stomach of a post vagotomy-pyloroplasty patient, and all attempts at removal (crushing, lavage and diathermy) failed. Complete removal of the phytobezoar was accomplished in 3 endoscopy sessions using a very large snare introduced through an overtube. The patient was told to refrain from cellulose- and fiber-rich food (such as persimmons and oranges) and was given prokinetic drugs, including cisapride, domperidone and metoclopramide.