Gastrointestinal bezoars: history and current treatment paradigms.

Abstract

As GI bezoars are a potentially serious problem, it is important to be aware of their risk factors, as well as subtle clinical findings that may facilitate early investigation and diagnosis. Knowing the location and type of the bezoar are important, as this information influences patient management. Treatment of gastric phytobezoars has included lavage and dissolution therapy with a variety of dissolution products—including a novel and noninvasive combination technique reported by Kramer and Pochapin—as well as endoscopic fragmentation and retrieval, and surgery.11 Following removal of a bezoar, it is prudent to prevent future occurrences via dietary counseling, avoidance of certain medications, and correction of underlying motility problems if present.