An Unusual Cause of Small Bowel Obstruction in a Child: Ingested Rhubarb. (25th June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Glatstein, Miguel; Danino, Dana; Rimon, Ayelet; Keidar, Sergei; Scolnik, Dennis
• Other Names: Imura H. Academic Editor.; Nissen N. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in surgery. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-06-25
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative; General Surgery; Surgery; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Case studies; Periodicals; Case Reports; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/497214
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6900

Abstract

Abstract : Small bowel obstruction is rarely caused by bezoars concretions formed from undigested foreign material in the gastrointestinal tract. An important cause of bezoars is phytobezoars, formed from vegetables or fruits. A four-year-old boy presented to our emergency department with symptoms of acute intestinal obstruction. Upright plain abdominal radiography revealed multiple air fluid levels. Ultrasound showed no abnormalities, and because of worsening symptoms computed tomography of abdomen was performed. It showed intraluminal obstruction of the terminal ileum. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a phytobezoar consisting of undigested rhubarb. The mass was milked through the large bowel and out the anus. Although rare in humans, bezoars are a well-documented cause of small bowel obstruction and should be considered when intraluminal bowel obstruction occurs. Bezoars causing small bowel obstruction may require surgical treatment.