Bezoar-Induced Gastrointestinal Obstruction
Summary
Bezoar-induced gastrointestinal obstruction arises when conglomerates of indigestible substances accumulate within the digestive tract. Four principal types are recognised: phytobezoars composed of plant fibre; trichobezoars formed by hair; pharmacobezoars from medication concretions; and lactobezoars of milk curds in infants. Although rare—accounting for up to 4% of small bowel obstructions—these masses may produce symptoms ranging from abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting to acute obstructive crises. Risk factors include prior gastric surgery, diabetic gastroparesis, high-fibre diets, psychiatric conditions and inadequate dental mastication. Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment supplemented by imaging modalities such as computed tomography, which may reveal an intraluminal mass with a mottled gas pattern, and by endoscopic evaluation. Management follows a stepwise approach: endoscopic fragmentation and dissolution for accessible gastric bezoars; enzymatic or pharmacological agents to soften masses; and surgical intervention—typically enterotomy or segmental resection—when non-invasive methods fail or in cases of complication. Recent advances emphasise early recognition, minimally invasive techniques and multidisciplinary care to reduce morbidity and avoid recurrence, highlighting its global relevance in both developed and resource-limited settings.
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Bezoar-Induced Gastrointestinal Obstruction publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in bezoar-induced gastrointestinal obstruction across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Bezoar: A compact mass of indigestible materials within the gastrointestinal tract.
Phytobezoar: A bezoar composed primarily of plant fibres such as cellulose.
Trichobezoar: A bezoar formed from ingested hair, often in individuals with psychiatric disorders.
Endoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure using an endoscope to visualise and treat gastrointestinal lesions.
Enterotomy: A surgical incision made into the intestine to remove a bezoar or other obstructions.
References
- “Bezoar Egg”—A Rare Cause of Small Bowel Obstruction. Diagnostics (2024).
- Upper Gastrointestinal Manifestation of Bezoars and the Etiological Factors: A Literature Review. Gastroenterology Research and Practice (2019).
- CT Findings of Patients with Small Bowel Obstruction due to Bezoar: A Descriptive Study. The Scientific World JOURNAL (2013).
- Gastric lactobezoar - a rare disorder?. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases (2012).
- Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes Among Patients With Gastrointestinal Phytobezoars: A Single-Institution Retrospective Cohort Study in Korea. Frontiers in Surgery (2021).
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