What is a phytobezoar?

What is a phytobezoar?

• A. A bezoar composed of hair
• B. Phytobezoars may consist of indigestible plant material such as fiber, skins and seeds
• C. A bezoar formed from mineral deposits
• D. A bezoar formed from swallowed bone fragments

Answer: (B)

A phytobezoar is a bezoar formed from indigestible plant material that accumulates in the GI tract, typically in the stomach. It consists of plant fibers, skins, and seeds that resist digestion and can coalesce into a compact mass. This distinguishes it from other types of bezoars: a mass of hair is a trichobezoar, and mineral deposits form a lithobezoar. Phytobezoars often arise in people with slowed gastric motility or after gastric surgery, or in those with a high-fiber diet, and they can cause symptoms like fullness, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or obstruction. Treatment ranges from endoscopic fragmentation and dissolution with agents or Coca-Cola therapy to surgical removal if needed.

A phytobezoar is a bezoar formed from indigestible plant material that accumulates in the GI tract, typically in the stomach. It consists of plant fibers, skins, and seeds that resist digestion and can coalesce into a compact mass. This distinguishes it from other types of bezoars: a mass of hair is a trichobezoar, and mineral deposits form a lithobezoar. Phytobezoars often arise in people with slowed gastric motility or after gastric surgery, or in those with a high-fiber diet, and they can cause symptoms like fullness, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or obstruction. Treatment ranges from endoscopic fragmentation and dissolution with agents or Coca-Cola therapy to surgical removal if needed.