Intestinal obstruction due to phytobezoar in childhood

Phytobezoar is a gastric or small-intestinal foreign body of vegetable origin. Morphologic, diagnostic, and surgical aspects of this condition in adults have been sufficiently described in the recent literature; however, it is almost unknown in childhood. We present our experience with five children operated upon for intestinal obstruction due to a phytobezoar. Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed on the basis of our cases and those in the literature. One of our patients had previously undergone a vagotomy with pyloroplasty for hemorrhagic gastritis. The incidence of phytobezoar may increase in the future because of the tendency to add a pyloroplasty to the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in children.