Abstract
Gastric bezoars are uncommon in the bariatric surgery population. Though popular in earlier decades, the Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) is no longer a staple procedure in the United States. It has been supplanted by the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) and the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) as the most commonly performed bariatric procedures. However, there are many patients who have previously undergone VBGs, and may present with associated complications. We present a case of a gastric obstruction caused by a bezoar in a patient who had a VBG fifteen years prior to presentation.
Highlights
The Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) pioneered by Mason at the University of Iowa, in the 1970’s was one of the most performed bariatric operations in the 1980’s and early 1990’s [1]
We present the diagnostic workup and management of a patient who developed a gastric bezoar fifteen years after a VBG
Bezoars result from the accumulation of ingested material in the form of masses or concretions in the gastrointestinal tract
Summary
The VBG pioneered by Mason at the University of Iowa, in the 1970’s was one of the most performed bariatric operations in the 1980’s and early 1990’s [1]. The combination of a small pouch and its outlet restricted by the band leads to weight loss. This restriction may theoretically put the patient at increased risk of bezoar formation and resultant pouch outlet obstruction.
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