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Bezoars, Pediatric

Andrew B. Grossman, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Accumulation of foreign material in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract

  • Commonly divided into three categories based on the substances from which the bezoar is derived:

    • Phytobezoar (from v...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Signs and symptoms of bezoar formation include the following:

    • Pain

    • Halitosis

    • Nausea

    • Vomiting

    • Diarrhea

    • Gastric ulceration

    • Upper GI bleeding and perforation

    • Left upper quadrant mass

  • Lactobezoars

    • ...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Trichobezoars

    • Difficult to remove endoscopically; attempts to fragment may result in migration and small bowel obstruction.

    • Treatment is usually surgical removal: Trichobezoars...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the type of bezoar removed, dietary counseling, medications regimen modification, behavioral modification therapy, and/or correction of underlying motili...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Chogle A, Bonilla S, Browne M, et al. Rapunzel syndrome: a rare cause of biliary obstruction. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr.  2010;51(4):522–523. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • ...

CODES

ICD9

  • 938 Foreign body in digestive system, unspecified

  • 935.2 Foreign body in stomach

  • 936 Foreign body in intestine and colon

ICD10

  • T18.9XXA Foreign body of alimentary tract, part unspecified, initial...

FAQ

  • Q: What are some commonly used medications that can lead to bezoar formation?

  • A: Vitamins, antacids, psyllium, sucralfate, cimetidine, and nifedipine

  • Q: What may place an infant at risk for formatio...

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