A rare case of intestinal obstruction as a result of phytobezoar

Intestinal obstruction (ileus) due to bezoar is a rare condition. Its combined prevalence among all cases of intestinal obstruction varies from 0.5 to 1%. An observed case is reported. A patient was admitted at the emergency ward with abdominal pain,nausea, bloating, and constipation. At examination - bloating, abdominal distention, moderate abdominal muscular defense at palpation, paraumbilical tenderness. Colon cleansing was started with a good effect. Gastrointestinal fluoroscopy: at 4 and 8 hours after introduction of barium contrast it is located in the dilated loops of small bowel with persisting air fluid levels. The diagnosis of unresolved intestinal obstruction was set up. The midline laparotomy, small bowel decompression by Abbott-Miller, peritoneal drainage with two tubes were performed. Final diagnosis: «Intestinal obstruction (phytobezoar), non-infected peritonitis».

intestinal obstruction, phytobezoar