title: [Bezoar after ingestion of metallic foreign bodies].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ingestion of foreign bodies represents a common feature in psychiatric patients and prisoners. Bezoar is a conglomeration of partially or undigested foreign material in the gastrointestinal tract. These are classified into several types according to the materials which they are composed of, the least frequent being metals. There are few cases reported in the literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report a case of a patient with a pathological history of mental disorder. The patient complained of abdominal pain 24 h prior, and there were no other symptoms. Physical examination revealed pain in the upper quadrant without peritoneal irritation. Laboratory tests were normal and plain x-ray of the abdomen showed several metallic foreign bodies, some sharp, >5 cm in length and with intestinal prolongation. Surgical intervention was performed several hours later: gastrotomy to remove the gastric bezoar that was composed of several screws, nails, scrap metal, lighters, clothespins, radio antennas and one coin. Four metallic foreign bodies were found in the small bowel after reviewing the abdominal cavity, so enterotomy was also performed to remove them. Postoperative course was uneventful.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surgical treatment must be considered in cases of multiple, large, sharp objects or complications. An exhaustive study of the case is essential to avoid delay in treatment and potential complications.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Cirugía General y del Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Infanta Cristina, Badajoz, España. jesus_marquez_rojas@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Jesús
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Márquez-Rojas
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Roldán-Baños
authors.forename: Diego
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: López-Guerra
authors.forename: Francisco Gabriel
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Onieva-González
authors.forename: José Luis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Jiménez-Redondo
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leal-Macho
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001630:Bezoars / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D015897:Comorbidity; D000075202:Contraindications; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures; D004386:Duodenum / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005773:Gastroscopy; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D008670:Metals; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013270:Stomach / Q000601:surgery; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D008670:Metals