Bezoars and foreign bodies of the stomach

Abstract

Bezoars are usually encountered in patients with altered gastric anatomy or function. Symptomatic, large phytobezoars or trichobezoars may require endoscopic fragmentation or surgical removal. Foreign bodies of the stomach are usually a self-limited problem, because at least 90% pass without symptoms, in patients with normal gastrointestinal anatomy. Endoscopic removal should be considered for sharp, pointed, or long objects, or in patients with altered anatomy, such as intestinal stricture.