Bezoar

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Bezoar
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, gastric outlet obstruction
Complications	Gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation
Onset	Variable
Duration	Variable
Types	N/A
Causes	Ingestion of indigestible material
Risks	Gastric surgery, diabetes mellitus, cystic fibrosis, trichotillomania
Diagnosis	Endoscopy, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis	Gastrointestinal obstruction, gastroparesis
Prevention	Avoidance of indigestible materials
Treatment	Endoscopic removal, surgery, enzymatic therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Bezoar A bezoar is a mass found trapped in the gastrointestinal tract, usually in the stomach. These masses are formed when indigestible matter, such as hair or fiber, accumulates. Bezoars can cause a variety of symptoms and complications, depending on their size and location.

Types of Bezoars

There are several types of bezoars, each named for the material that forms them:

• Phytobezoars are composed of indigestible plant matter, such as fibers, skins, and seeds.
• Trichobezoars are formed from hair or hair-like fibers, such as carpet or clothing fibers. This type is most commonly seen in individuals with trichotillomania (compulsive hair-pulling) and trichophagia (compulsive hair-eating).
• Pharmacobezoars are a rare type of bezoar formed from medications or drug materials.
• Lactobezoars are formed from milk protein and are most commonly seen in premature infants.

Symptoms and Complications

Symptoms of a bezoar can vary widely, depending on the size and location of the mass. Some individuals may not experience any symptoms, while others may have severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. In severe cases, a bezoar can cause a blockage in the digestive tract, which can be life-threatening.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of a bezoar typically involves imaging studies, such as an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or endoscopy. Treatment options include medication to dissolve the bezoar, endoscopic removal, or, in severe cases, surgery.

Prevention

Prevention of bezoars involves managing any underlying conditions that may contribute to their formation, such as trichotillomania or trichophagia, and maintaining a healthy diet that includes adequate fiber.

A bezoar removed from a human stomach

See Also

• Gastrointestinal tract
• Stomach
• Trichotillomania
• Trichophagia

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