| name: | Bezoar |
| also known as: | Bezoars; ICD 938 |
| also see: | Gastrectomy |
| description: | A bezoar is a mass of tightly packed, partially digested and undigested material that is retained within the stomach for an indefinite period of time. The mass might contain hair, pits, seeds, concretions of dairy products or medications, gum, and so on. Causes include people who might pull their hair out and eat it, partial gastrectomy, decrease stomach motility often seen in diabetics also called autonomic neuropathy, consumption of the un-peeled persimmon berry, and consumption of undigestable vegetable fibers. |
| signs & symptoms: | Includes either no symptoms, or might include nausea, vague abdominal pain, recurrent abdominal pain, fullness after eating even a small meal, vomiting. |
| diagnosis: | Based on signs, symptoms, history and exam, as well as barium swallow and an upper GI endoscopy. |
| treatment: | Treatment varies depending upon the size of the bezoar and the associated symptoms. Some bezoars will dissolve with medication, such as cellulase or papain. Other bezoars might be removed by upper GI endoscopy with fragmentation of the mass and/or by gastric lavage. Some bezoars might require surgery, called a laparotomy. |
| prevention: | Drink fluids, especially with meals and medication. |
| outcome: | Usually curable with intervention. |
Last updated 11/15/2003