Intestinal obstruction due to phytobezoars. Observations in two patients with hypothyroidism and previous gastric surgery.
Two patients had small-bowel obstruction due to phytobezoars. Both patients were hypothyroid. One patient had undergone a previous pyloroplasty for pyloric stenosis and the other a truncal vagotomy and a pyloroplasty for a duodenal ulcer. Similarities and differences between the two cases and the possible predisposing factors in the formation of the phytobezoars are discussed. The recognition of high-risk patients, and their education to prevent phytobezoars are emphasized.
D000368:Aged; D001630:Bezoars / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000150:complications; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology*; D007421:Intestine, Small; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications