An experimental study and clinical applications of breaking gastric bezoars endoscopically by a laser ignited mini-explosive head

Abstract

This paper reports the successful experimental studies of a laser detonating a mini-explosive head to break stones in vitro and in vivo. This technique has been used clinically with gastric bezoars since January 1988. All 31 patients were completely cured without complications. The relationship between gastric bezoars and ulcers and the treatment technique are also discussed in this paper. Diospyrobezoar is one of the common bezoars in the persimmon producing regions. This disease has been reported in many countries including our own, but until now there has been no effective treatment for large gastric bezoars except by surgery. To develop a better treatment for this problem the laser ignited mini-explosion technique to break large bezoars in vitro and in vivo was begun in October 1986 and first successfully applied clinically in January 1988.