Bezoar types in children and etiological factors affecting bezoar formation

Abstract

Background Bezoar is formed as a result of the accumulation of undigested food or foreign substances in the gastrointestinal tract (GIS). The present study aims to investigate the bezoar types seen in children and the etiological factors involved in bezoar formation. Methods A total of 16 patients who underwent an endoscopy and/or surgical treatment for bezoar at Harran University, Faculty of Medicine Pediatric Surgery Clinic between 2011 and 2019 were included in the study. The demographic information, laboratory and radiological findings were obtained from the patients’ file records Results A total of 10 patients (62.5%) were female with a mean age of 7.8 ± 4.9 years. Phytobezoars were detected in 10 patients, trichobezoars in 2 patients, lactobezoar in 1 patient, and other types in 3 patients. The etiological factors were determined to be congenital GIS anomaly in 6 (37.5%) patients; trichotillomania in 2 (12.5%) patients; mental retardation in 2 (12.5%) patients; ingestion of a foreign body during infancy in 2 (12.5%) patients; high intake of high-fiber fruit in 3 (18.5%) patients; and postoperative dysmotility in 2 (12.5%) patients. Conclusions Congenital GIS anomalies are mostly responsible for bezoar etiology in children and phytobezoar is the most common type of bezoar.

Intestinal obstruction due to phytobezoar: A rare case in a 6-year-old Sudanese girl

“…Neurologically impaired children are at increased risk of gastric bezoar due to altered gastrointestinal motility and ineffective chewing. [3].…”