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Removal of a phytobezoar through exploratory laparoscopy: a case of small bowel obstruction
Authors Nguyen B, Barleben A, Buchberg BS, Stamos MJ, Mills S
Published 14 July 2010 Volume 2010:3 Pages 59—61
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/OAS.S11684
Review by Single anonymous peer review
Peer reviewer comments 6
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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