Gastric bezoars after adjustable gastric banding.
BACKGROUND
Gastric bezoars may develop in the proximal pouch after gastric restriction.


METHODS
Of 299 patients who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), 4 developed gastric bezoars at different intervals after surgery (24 days, 8 months, 18 months, and 6 years).


RESULTS
Symptoms of high dysphagia and vomiting occurred in all 4 patients. Removal of the bezoars via endoscopy was uneventful, and all patients have maintained their gastric band. Patients were emphasized to avoid rapid intake of high-residue cellulose foods, and to achieve complete mastication. No bezoar has recurred in these patients at 7 to 75 months further follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Gastric bezoar should be considered after LAGB if the patient complains of persistent high fullness and vomiting.
Cattedra di Medicina Interna, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Antonio Di Rudini 8, 20142 Milan, Italy. averonelli@hspsanpaolo.mi.it
Anna
A
Veronelli
Roberto
R
Ranieri
Marco
M
Laneri
Marco
M
Montorsi
Paolo
P
Bianchi
Felice
F
Cosentino
Michele
M
Paganelli
Antonio E
AE
Pontiroli
D000328:Adult; D001630:Bezoars / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D005260:Female; D015391:Gastroplasty; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013270:Stomach