Unexpected cause of large bowel obstruction: Colonic bezoar

Abstract

Colonic bezoars as a cause of obstruction have not been widely described in the literature, so no conclusions can be drawn based on available data. We present a case of large bowel obstruction in an adult blind patient caused by a colonic mass suspicious for tumor or bezoar by its radiological features. Colonic bezoar should be suspected when large bowel obstruction takes place in older patients with chronic constipation or a disability in controling food intake. There are no specific diagnostic findings related to colonic bezoars, but computerized tomography seems to be the most readily available to characterize bezoar in this case. CT diagnosis of bezoar was based on identifying a low-density intraluminal mass containing air bubbles and exhibiting a characteristic mottled appearance. The treatment may vary depending on the clinical situation. If diagnosis is correctly made, surgical operation can be averted. Early and effective management of constipation could help prevent this condition.