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Removal of a phytobezoar through exploratory laparoscopy: a case of small bowel obstruction

Case report

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Authors: Brian Nguyen, Andrew Barleben, Brian S Buchberg, et al

Published Date July 2010 Volume 2010:3 Pages 59 - 61
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/OAS.S11684

Brian Nguyen1, Andrew Barleben2, Brian S Buchberg2, Michael J Stamos2, Steven Mills2

1Department of Biological Sciences, 2Department of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA

Abstract: Small bowel obstruction due to bezoars occurs rarely. Traditionally, laparotomy has been the preferred approach to obstruction secondary to bezoars. We report on an 81-year-old female who presented to the emergency room with abdominal pain and vomiting. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed evidence of a small bowel obstruction and laparoscopic exploration of the transition point found on CT revealed a phytobezoar. The small bowel obstruction was managed with laparoscopy and a small access site for specimen removal. In select patients with small bowel obstruction, laparoscopy may be used as a diagnostic and possibly therapeutic technique.

Keywords: laparoscopy, phytobezoar, small bowel obstruction, laparotomy
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