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[Esophageal obstruction after laxative administration]

A Welge-Lüssen1, R Hauser

  • 1HNO-Universitätsklinik Basel.

HNO
|June 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary
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Bulk laxatives, like sterculia, can rarely cause esophageal obstruction in elderly patients. Prompt removal of the obstruction led to a full recovery in a recent case.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Clinical Case Reports

Background:

  • Esophageal obstruction is a common emergency in the elderly, typically caused by food or foreign bodies.
  • Bulk-forming laxatives, such as sterculia, are frequently prescribed for elderly patients but rarely implicated in esophageal obstruction.

Observation:

  • A 69-year-old woman presented with acute retrosternal discomfort, dysphagia, and inability to drink.
  • Symptoms began shortly after ingesting two teaspoons of Colosan mite, a sterculia-based laxative.

Findings:

  • Rigid esophagoscopy identified a complete esophageal obstruction.
  • The obstruction was caused by a gum-like mass consistent with the ingested bulk laxative.
  • Successful removal of the mass resolved the obstruction.

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Implications:

  • This case highlights a rare but serious complication of bulk laxative use in the elderly.
  • Clinicians should consider laxative impaction in the differential diagnosis of esophageal obstruction in older adults.
  • Awareness of this potential adverse effect can prevent delayed diagnosis and treatment.