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