The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology (May 2017)

Small Bowel Obstruction Caused by Aloe vera Bezoars: A Case Report

  • In Taik Hong,
  • Jae Myung Cha,
  • Hye Jin Ki,
  • Min Seob Kwak,
  • Jin Young Yoon,
  • Hyun Phil Shin,
  • Jung Won Jeoun,
  • Sung Il Choi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4166/kjg.2017.69.5.312
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 69, no. 5
pp. 312 – 315

Abstract

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Small bowel obstruction is a clinical condition commonly caused by postoperative adhesion, volvulus, intussusceptions, and hernia. Small bowel obstruction due to bezoars is clinically uncommon, accounting for approximately 2-4% of all obstructions. Computed tomography (CT) is a useful method in diagnosing the cause of small bowel obstruction. However, small bowel obstruction caused by bezoars may not be detected by an abdominal CT examination. Herein, we report a rare case of small bowel obstruction by Aloe vera bezoars, which were undetected by an abdominal CT. Phytobezoars should be included in the differential diagnosis of small bowel obstruction in patients with predisposing factors, such as excessive consumption of high-fiber food and diabetes.

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