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Bezoars—A complication of the postgastrectomy state

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Summary

Bezoars have not been readily recognized as a postgastrectomy complication. A review of the literature and this report of 2 cases stress the importance of this phenomenon.

Roughage, delayed emptying, narrow stoma, and decreased gastric secretions, as well as improper mastication and inadequate teeth, play a role in producing bezoars.

Prevention, with emphasis on the avoidance of foods with high fiber content and on good oral hygiene, is the preferred measure. However, a short trial of papain and surgery are indicated once the bezoar has formed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. From the Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Tex.

    G. Douglas Cain M.D., Pruett Moore Jr. M.D. & Marcel Patterson M.D. (F.A.C.P.)

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  1. G. Douglas Cain M.D.
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  2. Pruett Moore Jr. M.D.
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  3. Marcel Patterson M.D.
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Additional information

Supported by Grant 5T01 AM 05304 (06), from the National Institutes of Health, U. S. Public Health Service.

We wish to thank Dr. Ruth Baxter for allowing us to study one of the patients.

Drs. Cain and Moore are NIH training fellows (1967–68).

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Cain, G.D., Moore, P. & Patterson, M. Bezoars—A complication of the postgastrectomy state. Digest Dis Sci 13, 801–809 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02233096

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