Nonpersimmon gastric phytobezoar. A benign recurrent condition

Abstract

Phytobezoars are intragastric concretions composed of food or persimmon fruit. Previous studies of patients with phytobezoars have had a preponderance of patients with persimmon phytobezoars; little clinical information is available regarding nonpersimmon phytobezoars. We report the cases of 52 patients with nonpersimmon phytobezoars and contrast our experience with that previously reported for patients with persimmon phytobezoars. Our patients experienced pain (67%), nausea and vomiting (50%), diarrhea (13%), and gastric ulcers (14%). No patient with a phytobezoar died. Two thirds of our patients had conditions that could alter gastric motility. Medical therapy successfully dissolved 91% of the phytobezoars. One fifth of our patients had a phytobezoar redevelop. Compared with patients with persimmon phytobezoars, we conclude that patients with nonpersimmon phytobezoars have (1) different symptoms, (2) a low risk of complications or death, (3) effective medical therapeutic options, and (4) a 19% risk of phytobezoar recurrence.