A rare cause of partial intestinal obstruction in a child: colonic lithobezoar

Abstract

The accumulation of undigested foreign bodies or nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract forming a conglomeration is called a bezoar. Bezoars are referred to according to the foreign bodies that constitute their core: phytobezoar (fibres or seeds of vegetables and fruits); trichobezoar (hair); lactobezoar (remnants of milk) and lithobezoar (rock or similar substances). Although they can be found in any part of the gastrointestinal system, the stomach is the most common site. Primary colonic bezoar is an exceptionally rare situation. Up until 2007, only four colonic lithobezoars had been reported in the literature. This report aims to present the clinical and surgical features of a 4-year-old male patient with a previous history of pica and iron deficiency anaemia, who underwent pebble extraction from the colon after being diagnosed with partial intestinal obstruction.