Colonic phytobezoar

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2018 Source:Journal of Coloproctology Author(s): Cláudio Franco do Amaral Kfouri, Maria Clara Ferreira Nonato Romania, Rennan Josely Moreira Julião, André Domingos Pippa Tomazella, Guilherme Paulo Carvalho de Amorim, Cleibe Nicácio da Silva, Claudinei da Silva, Maria Cristina Sartor Bezoars, although rare, represent a small part of the etiologies of intestinal obstructions. They are indigestible masses formed in human beings consisting of hair, seeds, plant fibers, fruits, and even medications. The present report concerns a male patient with a complaint of interrupted flatus passage and feces elimination and pain in the left iliac fossa, initially suspected as a neoplasia of the sigmoid colon. However, analysis of the surgical specimen revealed that the condition was characterized by intestinal obstruction due to an encapsulated phytobezoar. This fact demonstrates the importance of a differential diagnosis, with emphasis on the relevance of considering the presence of bezoars despite their rare occurrence.
Source: Journal of Coloproctology - Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research