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Esophageal bezoar due to karaya gum granules used as a laxative

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Abstract

Esophageal obstruction from soluble fiber laxatives, such as karaya gum, has been rarely reported in the literature. However, as such preparations are widely commercially available, it is important for gastroenterologists to be aware of their potential to form a bezoar in the esophagus due to swelling on contact with liquid. This report highlights such a case and discusses its challenging management.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Eastern Health, 8 Arnold Street, Box Hill, Victoria, 3128, Australia

    Sern Wei Yeoh

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  1. Sern Wei Yeoh
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Correspondence to Sern Wei Yeoh.

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Sern Wei Yeoh declares no conflict of interest.

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All procedures followed have been performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments.

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Informed consent was obtained from all patients for being included in the study.

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Cite this article

Yeoh, S.W. Esophageal bezoar due to karaya gum granules used as a laxative. Clin J Gastroenterol 10, 437–441 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12328-017-0764-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12328-017-0764-x

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