An unusual case of phytobezoar-induced small bowel obstruction

Abstract

Bezoars, and to lesser extent phytobezoars, are among the rare causes of small bowel obstruction. A bezoar generally describes retained concretions of indigestible foreign material that accumulate and conglomerate in the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly in the stomach. We present an unusual case of phytobezoar-induced sub-acute small bowel obstruction originating from unfamiliar plant material in a 74-year-old woman. The past history was insignificant regarding comorbidities other than depression. Presenting complaints were history of abdominal pain and vomiting. Imaging studies and physical examination suggested small bowel obstruction. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy after 1 day of conservative treatment. We found a 4.5 cm obstructing phytobezoar intraoperatively. The undigested plant material caused the obstruction. Postoperatively, the plant was identified as Scorzonera papposa. The patient was discharged uneventfully. The elderly patients should avoid semi-cooked vegetables, plants of unknown origin and high-fibre diet.