Phytobezoar-Induced Mechanical Ileus and Incipient Intussusception: A Case Report

Abstract

Phytobezoars constitute conglomerates of indigested plant fibers and are a rare cause of acute mechanical ileus. They exhibit an increased prevalence in the elderly population and people with specific predisposing conditions. Radiological imaging can often set a definitive diagnosis and dictate the optimal therapeutic approach, combined with the patient’s clinical status. An 81-year-old male presented with deteriorating clinical symptoms of intestinal obstruction, and an exploratory laparotomy was performed following inconclusive radiological findings; multiple phytobezoars and incipient intussusception were revealed intraoperatively. A patient’s medical history can often raise clinical suspicion of phytobezoars. However, a careful etiological investigation is imperative in all cases of mechanical ileus in advanced ages; early detection and dissolution of phytobezoars, when applicable, can reduce the need for surgical interventions.

Obstrução intestinal por fitobezoar: revisão integrativa

“…Frente à discrepância entre os casos encontrados, os relatos de caso são de extrema importância no que tange à descrição de manifestações clínicas e ao manejo relacionado aos bezoares. Como descrito por Kosmidis et al, (2023), a manifestação clínica varia de acordo com a localização exata do bezoar e sua composição. São relatados casos assintomáticos, mas os sintomas mais comuns são a dor, distensão abdominal, náuseas, vômitos, anorexia, disfagia e a constipação.…”