Small bowel obstruction: an unusual cause.

Abstract

A bezoar is a tightly packed collection of partially digested or undigested material. When this material is vegetable matter it is known as a phytobezoar, when it is hair it is a trichobezoar and when it is medication a pharmacobezoar. Phytobezoars are a known cause of small bowel obstruction in patients who have had previous gastric surgery. Two cases of small bowel obstruction caused by phytobezoars are discussed in patients with no risk factors. The cause, clinical features and management of phytobezoars is reviewed in an attempt to increase awareness of this unusual cause of small bowel obstruction.