Bezoar of the stomach: causes, symptoms, and treatment methods
- Determination of gastric bezoar
- Etiology of gastric bezoars
- Clinical picture and symptoms of a gastric bezoar
- Expert opinion on the treatment of gastric bezoars
- Methods of diagnosing gastric bezoars
- Methods of treating gastric bezoars
- Prevention of gastric bezoars
- Interesting aspects of gastric bezoars
- FAQ
Determination of gastric bezoar
Gastric bezoar is a formation of a solid mass in the stomach, usually composed of undigested food. This can lead to various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and digestive disorders. Bezoars typically form from collected fibrous material, hair, or other indigestible substances that cannot normally pass through the digestive tract and may require surgical intervention for removal.
Etiology of gastric bezoars
Gastric bezoar is a pathological condition characterized by the formation of hard masses in the lumen of the stomach, which interfere with its normal functioning. The causes of bezoar formation can be diverse, including the mixing of food residues with hair, fruit seeds, fruit pits, or medications.
The most common causes of bezoar are improper eating behavior, including insufficient chewing of food, consumption of large pieces of food, as well as certain surgical interventions that lead to esophageal obstruction. Patients with mental health disorders are also at an increased risk of developing this condition.
- Improper eating behavior: includes insufficient chewing of food, consumption of large pieces, which may contribute to the formation of bezoars.
- Surgical interventions: certain surgeries can disrupt normal gastric and digestive tract peristalsis, promoting the formation of bezoars.
- Psychiatric disorders: patients with mental health issues are more prone to the formation of bezoars due to their eating behavior and perception of the surrounding world.
- Consumption of certain substances: including fur, plant seeds, fruit pits, medications that can clump together in the stomach.
- Unbalanced nutrition: diets rich in certain foods, or a lack of some nutrients may affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and contribute to the formation of bezoars.
Clinical picture and symptoms of a gastric bezoar
The clinical picture of a gastric bezoar includes various symptoms such as epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, and a feeling of discomfort in the abdomen. Patients may also experience digestive disorders, belching, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
Depending on the size and localization of the bezoar, its symptoms may vary. A large bezoar can cause complete obstruction of the gastric or intestinal lumen, leading to digestive disturbances. Diagnosis and identification of the symptoms of a gastric bezoar play a key role in its effective treatment.
- Epigastric pain: pain in the upper abdomen can be one of the first symptoms of a gastric bezoar.
- Nausea and vomiting: irregular nausea and vomiting after eating may indicate the possible presence of a bezoar.
- Dysphagia: difficulty swallowing may indicate an obstruction in the digestive tract, which could be caused by a bezoar.
- Belching and abdominal discomfort: a constant feeling of belching and discomfort in the abdomen may be signs of a stomach problem.
- Digestive disorders: changes in the functioning of the digestive system, such as constipation or diarrhea, may also indicate the presence of a bezoar.
Expert opinion on the treatment of gastric bezoars
Experts in the fields of gastroenterology and surgery unanimously express their opinion regarding the treatment of gastric bezoars. The primary method of therapy is surgical intervention aimed at removing the formation from the gastric lumen. Surgical treatment of bezoars is considered an effective way to free the patient from problems related to digestive disorders and the risk of complications.
Experts also emphasize the importance of subsequent medical monitoring and dietary adjustments to prevent possible recurrence of gastric bezoars. A comprehensive treatment approach, including surgery, diet, and regular medical supervision, is the optimal option for ensuring the patient’s complete recovery.
Methods of diagnosing gastric bezoars
Diagnosis of gastric bezoars includes various methods, starting with a conversation with the patient and collecting medical history, and ending with instrumental and laboratory examinations. Clinical signs such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and belching may lead a doctor to suspect the possible presence of a bezoar and guide further investigation.
Modern diagnostic methods include endoscopy, radiography, computed tomography, and ultrasound examination of the stomach and intestines. These methods allow for accurate determination of the presence of a bezoar, its size, location, and impact on the digestive organs, which is important for choosing the optimal treatment strategy.
- Endoscopy: an important method for visualizing the lumen of the stomach and detecting the presence of a bezoar.
- Radiography: allows for the detection of certain types of bezoars using X-ray radiation.
- Computed tomography: an accurate method that helps identify the size, structure, and nature of a bezoar.
- Ultrasound examination of the stomach and intestines: allows for the assessment of the condition of the organs and detecting a possible obstruction by a bezoar.
- Laboratory tests: examination of blood and other biological materials can help determine pathological changes associated with a bezoar.
Methods of treating gastric bezoars
The methods of treating gastric bezoars depend on the size and characteristics of the formation. Small bezoars that do not cause symptoms and do not obstruct the passage of food may dissolve with medications that have antiemetic or secretory actions. However, in cases where the bezoar is large or causes intestinal obstruction, surgical intervention may be required for its removal.
Surgical treatment of bezoars may include endoscopic removal using special equipment or open surgery in cases where other methods are ineffective. After the successful removal of a bezoar, it is important to conduct further examinations and timely treatment of the underlying condition to prevent recurrences.
- Medicated treatment: Small bezoars can be dissolved using medications such as antiemetic or secretory agents.
- Endoscopic removal: An endoscopic procedure can be used to remove small bezoars from the stomach or esophagus.
- Surgical intervention: Large bezoars or cases of intestinal obstruction may require surgical removal of the bezoar.
- Lithotripsy: Ultrasound lithotripsy can be applied to break down large bezoars for subsequent dissolution.
- Dietary therapy: After successful removal of the bezoar, it is necessary to follow a diet and the doctor’s recommendations to prevent possible relapses.
Prevention of gastric bezoars
The prevention of gastric bezoars includes a number of measures aimed at preventing the occurrence of this pathological condition. One of the key aspects of bezoar prevention is proper nutrition and the consumption of food in sufficiently finely ground form. Regular consumption of food products rich in fiber and fats helps optimize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and reduce the risk of bezoar formation.
In addition, it is important to avoid consuming large pieces of food and to encourage the proper process of chewing, which contributes to more complete and effective digestion. Regular fluid intake to ensure hydration levels and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also contribute to the prevention of gastric bezoars.
- Following a healthy diet that includes sufficient amounts of fiber and water.
- Chewing food thoroughly and slowly, avoiding excessively large pieces of food.
- Regular intake of fluids to maintain hydration levels and optimal gastrointestinal function.
- Avoiding excessive consumption of foods that contribute to the formation of bezoars, such as seeds, fruit pits, hair, and other hard-to-digest products.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity and regular medical check-ups for the timely detection of any digestive system disorders.
Interesting aspects of gastric bezoars
Stomach bezoars, although a relatively rare phenomenon in modern medicine, have been known since ancient times. Interestingly, in the past, bezoars were used as medicinal preparations and amulets. They were attributed with healing properties, and, for example, dried bezoars were considered a strong antidote to poisons.
Another interesting fact about bezoars is that they can form not only in the stomach but also in other organs of the digestive system, such as the intestines. This is related to various factors, including eating habits, pathological processes, or surgical interventions. In modern medicine, the diagnosis and treatment of stomach bezoars have become more effective thanks to the development of modern examination methods and surgical technologies.
FAQ
What causes the formation of bezoars in the stomach?
The formation of bezoars in the stomach can be caused by various factors, such as improper nutrition, consumption of large pieces of food, insufficient chewing, as well as characteristics of the digestive system and the presence of underlying diseases. For example, in patients with mental health disorders or those suffering from certain surgical conditions, the risk of bezoar formation may be increased.
What are the features of gastric bezoar prevention that are important for patients with mental health disorders?
Patients with mental health disorders require additional attention in the prevention of gastrointestinal bezoars, as they may have specific eating behaviors, including a tendency to consume inadequately ground foods or irregular eating patterns, which contribute to the formation of bezoars. In prevention, it is important to focus on educating about proper nutrition, including chewing food, choosing fiber-rich products, consuming adequate amounts of fluids, as well as following doctors’ recommendations to minimize the risk of bezoar formation in this category of patients.
What treatment methods for gastric bezoars are usually preferred for large concretions?
For large bezoars of the stomach that cannot be successfully managed by conservative methods, surgical procedures are often preferred. These interventions may include endoscopic removal using specialized equipment or open surgery to remove the bezoars. The choice of treatment method for large bezoars depends on the size, characteristics of the formation, and the risk of possible complications, and can be made after careful assessment and an individualized approach to each clinical case.
What factors can increase the risk of bezoar formation in children?
In children, the risk of bezoar formation may be associated with a number of factors, including improper diet, consumption of poorly chewed food, a tendency to chew on objects or hair, as well as the presence of certain psychological issues or surgical conditions. Insufficient attention to proper eating behavior and healthy habits in childhood can contribute to the formation of bezoars and underscore the importance of preventive measures, including teaching children the proper way to chew food and choose healthy products to reduce the likelihood of this condition.