Intestinal Obstruction Secondary to Multiple Gastrointestinal phytobezoars,A Rare presentation

IntroductionIntestinal obstruction considered to be one of the most common surgical presentation. Adhesions secondary to previous operations, hernias, neoplasms, inflammatory bowel disease, intussusception, or volvulus are the usual causes of intestinal obstruction but bezoar can presents in 0.4-4%. Bezoar can be trapped in different locations throughout the gastrointestinal tract and it can be solitary or multiple lesions.Case presentationThis is a 37-year-old male, known case of diabetes mellitus, Presented to the Emergency Department complaining of generalized abdominal pain for 2 days duration. Associated with abdominal distention, fever, nausea, vomiting and obstipation. There was a history of persimmon intake. Unremarkable past surgical history. On examination, He was tachycardic, other vital signs were within normal. Abdominal examination showed abdominal distention and Sluggish bowel sound. Abdominal X-ray revealed multiple air-fluid levels. An abdominal CT scan with IV contrast revealed an intra-luminal mass in the ileum and intra-gastric mass with suspicious of bezoars. He underwent exploratory laparotomy, gastrostomy to remove intra-gastric bezoar, and enterotomy to remove the ileal bezoar.Clinical discussionIntestinal obstruction is considered to be the most common complication of this entity; other possible complications include gastric ulcer, gastritis, and gastric perforation. Due to limitations of endoscopy and barium enema in the diagnosis of bezoar, Abdominal CT-scan is considered to be the gold standard in the diagnosis. The management of phytobezoar can be either conservative or surgical, depends on the lesion size and location.ConclusionAlthough intestinal obstruction secondary to bezoar is rare, multiple levels of gastrointestinal obstruction should raise the suspicion of bezoar.     

Intussusception caused by dried apricot: A case report

INTRODUCTION

An unusual cause of intussusception due to small bowel obstruction secondary to dried apricot consumption was encountered. Phytobezoar small bowel obstruction is a rare, but interesting pathology that accounts for 2–4% of small bowel obstructions (18). Even rarer, is an intussusception caused by dried fruit ingestion. We present the case of a 56-year-old female that presented with an intussusception after she ingested a large amount of dried apricots.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

The patient is a 56-year-old female with a small bowel obstruction secondary to intussusception in the distal ileum. She was taken to the operating room for a celiotomy where an intussusception of the distal small bowel was found. An enterotomy was performed which revealed dried apricots as the lead point. The intussusception was successfully reduced and the apricots removed.

DISCUSSION

Small bowel obstruction due to intussusception can be caused secondary to malignancy, Meckel''s Diverticulum, benign neoplasm, and strictures. A less common cause for small bowel obstruction due to intussusception in adults is secondary to mechanical obstruction by bezoars. Risk factors for bezoar formation include previous gastric surgery, diabetes, and mastication problems.

CONCLUSION

Bezoars are an extremely rare cause of intussusception in adults. A high level of suspicion needs to exist in the presence of a history of eating dried fruit, history of gastric surgery, diabetes mellitus, and problems with mastication. Various treatment modalities exist to treat obstructions secondary to bezoars, including open reduction and removal of bezoar via enterotomy.     

A case report of small bowel obstruction from previously undiagnosed lobular breast carcinoma: First in Australian literature

IntroductionThis case report is the first in the Australian literature of a patient, without prior diagnosis, presenting with a bowel obstruction secondary to lobular breast cancer. This highlights a relatively rare cause of bowel obstruction, but also the importance of breast self-examination as a compliment to the current BreastScreen Australia program.Presentation of caseA 67-year-old female presented to the Emergency Department with a 48-h history of sharp, constant epigastric pain, vomiting and constipation. The patient proceeded to emergency laparotomy for presumed large bowel obstruction, which revealed a stricture in the distal terminal ileum causing a distal small bowel obstruction. A right hemicolectomy was performed. Histopathology revealed the terminal ileum stricture to be metastatic lobular breast carcinoma. Clinical examination of the patient’s right breast revealed a lesion suggestive of the primary malignancy despite a normal ultrasound and mammogram in 2014. After failing to progress, a CT scan was performed which revealed progressive small and large bowel distension. A repeat laparotomy was performed revealing dilated large bowel without obstructing pathology and an intact anastomosis. A loop ileostomy was performed. Following a further febrile episode, the patient decided to withdraw care and the patient passed away three weeks into her admission from suspected intra-abdominal sepsis.DiscussionBreast cancer is becoming the third most common cancer amongst Australian women with a significant burden of disease and mortality.ConclusionDespite the rare presentation, this case reminds the medical community and general population of the importance of breast self-examination and the BreastScreen Australia program.     

When eating makes you sick – Gastric stump obstruction caused by a phytobezoar. A case report and literature review

Introduction and importanceBezoars result from undigested material having an incidence of 0.4–1% (Gunner et al., 2012). Impaired gastrointestinal motility is one of the risk factors. The aim of this article is to highlight the importance of this commonly disregarded entity as well as the different treatment modalities available.Case presentationA 68-year-old female presented to our emergency department complaining of colicky lower left abdominal pain associated with vomiting and absence of bowel movements for the past 4 days. She had a previous history of a subtotal gastrectomy due to gastric cancer. The physical examination revealed a lower left quadrant palpable mass. Abdominopelvic CT scan showed distension of the gastric remnant with anastomotic obstruction caused by a bezoar. Attempted endoscopic dissolution of the bezoar was unsuccessful. The patient then underwent surgery enterotomy proximal to the obstruction with extraction of the mass.Clinical discussionBezoars are responsible for 0.4%–4% of cases of mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction (Dikicier et al., 2015). Contrast-enhanced CT scan is the best diagnostic test with a sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 57%, respectively (Kim et al., 2003). Treatment options differ according to the type, size and location of the bezoar as well as clinical presentation. Conservative measures such as chemical dissolution and endoscopic fragmentation and extraction can be used with surgery being usually required for a bezoar-induced gastrointestinal obstruction.ConclusionThe clinical findings of bezoar-induced ileus do not differ from the other different causes of mechanical intestinal obstruction. Hence, a high grade of suspicion and an early radiological exam are the keys for a prompt diagnosis and treatment.     

Obstructive mobile small intestinal tumor without radiographic stigmata of bezoar

IntroductionGastrointestinal leiomyomas are often clinically silent until they bleed or grow large enough to cause local mass effect.Presentation of caseWe report the unique case of an otherwise healthy 69-year-old male who developed a small bowel obstruction secondary to a mobile small intestinal leiomyoma. During initial evaluation, computed tomography did not demonstrate the cause of obstruction. Because of worsening clinical status with conservative management, the patient required emergency laparotomy. Operative findings were significant for an intraluminal leiomyoma that had detached from its pedicle, traveled to the tight lumen of the distal ileum and acted as an obstructive “bezoar” composed of native tissue. Removal of the mass resulted in rapid metabolic stabilization and relief of symptoms.DiscussionThis case report illustrates the complexity of diagnosing obstruction secondary to intraluminal native tissue. Clinicians must be aware that such masses may clinically present as but not have corresponding radiographic stigmata of typical bezoars.ConclusionIn the absence of clear clinical or radiographic etiology for obstruction, developing a heightened degree of suspicion for native tissue “bezoar” may allow quick and appropriate management of similar cases and limit complications associated with prolonged obstruction. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of mobile intraluminal leiomyoma causing small bowel obstruction.     

Laparoscopic-assisted management of small bowel obstruction due to phytobezoar

Laparoscopy is gaining increasing acceptance for diagnosis and treatment of selected cases of small bowel obstruction. We describe a laparoscopic-assisted procedure used for the treatment of small bowel obstruction caused by a bezoar. A 51-year-old man presented with acute small intestinal obstruction. He had no history of previous abdominal surgery. Diagnostic laparoscopy confirmed a distal ileal obstruction due to an enterolith (bezoar). A limited abdominal incision allowed enterotomy and removal of the obstructing bezoar. Gastroscopy performed a month later showed gastric bezoars which could not be removed endoscopically. Instead, cellulase, a hydrolytic enzyme, was used successfully to treat the condition.     

A bidirectional stapling technique for laparoscopic small bowel anastomosis

BackgroundSmall bowel anastomoses can present a technical challenge during laparoscopic procedures, particularly gastric bypass procedures. Early small bowel obstruction (SBO) rates associated with such procedures occur in .7%–5.2% of patients. Herein, we describe how a bidirectional stapling technique moves the enterotomy to the center of the anastomosis, decreasing the chances of an afferent limb obstruction.MethodsA prospectively collected cohort of 2263 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with bidirectional stapling of the small bowel anastomosis was evaluated for early SBO. All patients met the National Institutes of Health criteria for bariatric surgery.ResultsOverall, 3 patients’ perioperative courses were complicated by perioperative, early SBO (.13%). These instances were all attributable to intraluminal blood clots and not from inadvertent narrowing of the afferent limb. One was diagnosed on postoperative day 1 by upper gastrointestinal study (UGI); 2 were diagnosed on postoperative day 2 by computed tomography (CT) scan with oral contrast. All 3 patients’ complications were managed with a laparoscopic operation.ConclusionThe bidirectional stapling technique for small bowel anastomoses, with our modifications, is a rapid, well-tolerated, and effective technique that offers potential advantages over standard laparoscopic anastomotic techniques by reducing perioperative SBO complications.     

A case report of endometriosis presenting as an acute small bowel obstruction

IntroductionEndometriosis is a common and benign condition that causes significant morbidity to women of childbearing age. It uncommonly affects the gastrointestinal tract and rarely manifests as an acute small bowel obstruction.Presentation of caseA 46-year old female presented to the emergency department with signs and symptoms consistent with an acute small bowel obstruction. She had a paucity of background surgical history, having only had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Her CT demonstrated small bowel obstruction with a transition point in the distal ileum. Given the site of obstruction was remote from previous surgery, a high index of suspicion was maintained and early laparoscopy performed the same day. Operative findings were consistent with an endometrial stricture of the distal ileum and a formal resection was performed.DiscussionEndometriosis that affects the gastrointestinal tract often presents with non-specific symptoms. This is a rare case of an acute small bowel obstruction as the index symptom of endometriosis in a peri-menopausal patient. This is the first case in the literature to describe same day laparoscopy and small bowel resection of such a case and a prolonged preoperative period and misdiagnoses previously described were avoided due to clinical suspicion.ConclusionEndometriosis as a differential should be considered with a high index of suspicion in pre-menopausal women, particularly in patients with negligible previous surgical history. There should be a low threshold for early laparoscopy and resection of affected bowel in these patients.     

Bezoar as a cause of jejunal afferent loop mass after pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodedectomy: A case report

Introduction and importanceBezoars may occur in patients after undergoing gastric surgery. Most bezoars are discovered due to small intestine obstruction, causing acute abdomen.Case presentationA 44-year-old woman with a history of intraductal papillary mucinous tumor of the pancreas was initially treated with pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. Two years ago, she had intermittent abdominal pain with no noted abnormality on computed tomography (CT) scan and gastroscopy. During her follow-up, an abdominal CT scan revealed a 1.8-cm low-enhancing nodular tumor with minute central calcification at the afferent loop of the jejunum, later diagnosed as a jejunal tumor. Endoscopy helped determine the location and characteristics of the tumor. Endoscopic findings revealed a bezoar approximately 3 cm below the pancreaticojejunostomy and hepaticojejunostomy, at the end of the afferent loop of the jejunum. Removal using an endoscopic basket failed as the bezoar broke halfway. Residual suture material was found inside the bezoar. Since the size of the bezoar decreased, the procedure was discontinued to allow it to dislodge naturally.Clinical discussionBezoars may be caused by gastric surgery, increased fiber diet, and psychiatric illness. As seen in this case, residual suture material caused bezoar formation. Bezoars mainly occur in the stomach and small intestines, but they can also occur in the afferent jejunal loop, as seen in this case.ConclusionSurgeons should be careful not to leave behind suture material during gastric surgery. However, bezoar formation should be considered in patients complaining of abdominal pain even if they did not undergo gastrectomy.     

Laparoscopy-assisted management of jejunal bezoar obstruction

Treatment of intestinal bezoar causing obstruction is usually straightforward by an open approach, with either digital fragmentation or removal of the bezoar via an enterotomy. Herein, we report a case of small bowel bezoar obstruction treated successfully by laparoscopic technique. The bezoar was fragmented manually via a minilaparotomy and then pushed into the cecum with laparoscopic forceps. Laparoscopic management is an alternative to conventional surgery for intestinal bezoar that provides shorter hospital stay and less postoperative pain and may be recommended as the treatment of choice of such patients.     

A case report of small bowel obstruction secondary to congenital peritoneal band in adult

IntroductionSmall bowel obstruction (SBO) is common in adult surgical procedures, mainly due to postoperative adhesions. Acute SBO in adults without history of abdominal surgery, trauma or clinical hernia is less common and has various etiologies. Congenital band is an extremely rare cause.Presentation of caseA 56-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a two-day history of abdominal pain and bilious vomiting. He had no history of abdominal surgery or any other medical problems. A contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen showed a distention of small bowel loops with transition point in the right hypochondrium. Distended loops of small bowel were located in the left side of the abdomen, whereas collapsed loops was located in the right side. The normal bowel wall enhancement was preserved. After initial treatment with intravenous fluid and nasogastric suction, he was operated. At laparoscopy a band obstructing the ileum was clearly observed. This anomalous band extending from gallbladder to transverse mesocolon caused a small window leading to internal herniation of the small bowel and obstruction. The band was coagulated and divided. Postoperative outcome was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the second postoperative day. There was no recurrence of symptoms on subsequent follow-up.DiscussionCongenital peritoneal bands are not frequently encountered in surgical practice and these bands are often difficult to classify and define. Diagnosis of acute intestinal obstruction due to CPB must be included in the differential diagnosis in any patient with no history of abdominal surgery, trauma, clinical hernia, inflammatory bowel disease or peritoneal tuberculosis.ConclusionDespite technological advances in radiology preoperative diagnosis remains difficult, however the diagnosis of SBO due to CPB must be considered in any patient with no history of abdominal surgery, Trauma or clinical hernia consulting for occlusive syndrome. The laparoscopic approach should be intended initially for its feasibility and benefits.     

An undigested cherry tomato as a rare cause of small bowel obstruction

Small bowel obstruction due to undigested fibre from fruits and vegetables is a rare but known medical condition. We report a case of small bowel obstruction caused by a whole cherry tomato in a patient without a past medical history of abdominal surgery. A 66-year-old man presented to the emergency department complaining of lower abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting. His last bowel movement had occurred on the morning of presentation. He underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT), which showed a sudden change of diameter in the distal ileum with complete collapse of the proximal small bowel segment. Laparoscopy confirmed a small bowel obstruction with a transition point close to the ileocaecal valve. An enterotomy was performed and a completely undigested cherry tomato was retrieved. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a small bowel obstruction caused by a whole cherry tomato.     

Case report of metastatic breast cancer mimicking ileal Crohn's disease

IntroductionLobular breast cancer (LBC) has an increased risk of gastrointestinal (GI) spread compared with ductal breast carcinoma. Breast cancer commonly metastasises to bone, lung, liver, central nervous system and rarely to the gastrointestinal tract. As the prognosis for breast cancer continues to improve with modern medical practice it is important to be aware of the various clinical presentations and the appropriate management of breast cancer metastases.Case presentationWe describe a case of a 60-year-old woman who presented with symptoms of bowel obstruction 30 months after undergoing mastectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy for LBC. A Computer Tomography (CT) scan showed terminal ileal thickening suggestive of Crohn's disease but histopathology revealed metastatic lobular carcinoma. Surgical resection to relieve her small bowel obstruction confirmed LBC.Clinical discussionThis case illustrates an unusual presentation of metastatic breast cancer causing small bowel obstruction with radiological features mimicking Crohn's disease.ConclusionPatients with breast cancer can present with intestinal obstruction due to metastatic spread to the small intestine; this may resemble Crohn's disease clinically and radiologically.     

Phytobezoar: an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction.

Phytobezoars are an unusual cause of small bowel obstruction. We report 13 patients presenting with 16 episodes of small bowel obstruction from phytobezoars. Eleven patients had previously undergone surgery for peptic ulceration (eight truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty). A history of ingestion of persimmon fruit was common and the majority of cases presented in the autumn when this fruit is in season. One phytobezoar causing obstruction at the third part of the duodenum was removed by endoscopic fragmentation, while an episode of jejunal obstruction was precipitated by endoscopic fragmentation of a gastric bezoar. Twelve patients underwent surgery for obstruction on 15 occasions, with milking of the phytobezoar to the caecum performed in ten, enterotomy and removal in four and resection in one patient. Associated gastric phytobezoars were found in two cases and multiple small bowel bezoars in two other cases. These were removed to prevent recurrent obstruction. Phytobezoar should be considered preoperatively as a cause of obstruction in patients with previous ulcer surgery. Wherever possible milking of a phytobezoar to the caecum should be performed. Careful assessment for other phytobezoars should be made. Prevention of phytobezoars is dependent upon dietary counselling of patients by surgeons after gastric resection or vagotomy and drainage for peptic ulcer.     

Early intervention in intersigmoid hernia may prevent bowel resection-A case report

INTRODUCTION

Intersigmoid hernia is a rare internal hernia presenting with symptoms of bowel obstruction. Preoperative diagnosis is uncommon but computerised tomography (CT) may show signs to suggest internal hernia.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 63-year-old female presented with abdominal pain, vomiting and absolute constipation. Examination revealed a tense distended abdomen. A plain abdominal radiograph showed features of small bowel obstruction. Conservative management was initiated without success and a CT scan was performed which showed a dilated distal oesophagus, stomach and small bowel with a non-dilated length of distal ileum and large bowel. Internal hernia was suggested as a possible cause and the patient underwent a laparotomy where a loop of small bowel was found to be strangulated and gangrenous within the intersigmoid fossa. The gangrenous bowel was resected, an end-to-end anastamosis was performed and the fossa was closed. The patient made an uneventful recovery.

DISCUSSION

Hernias of the sigmoid mesocolon account for 6% of internal hernias with internal hernias themselves causing between 0.2 and 4.1% of intestinal obstruction. This report presents a case of intersigmoid hernia, a rare internal hernia which should be suspected in patients presenting with acute obstruction, no past surgical history and no external hernia. Patients with these symptoms should receive an urgent CT scan to facilitate early surgery and minimise strangulation and prevent bowel resection.

conclusion

Intersigmoid hernia presents with acute obstruction, no past surgical history and no external hernia. Urgent CT scanning and early surgery may minimise strangulation, conserve bowel and reduce patient morbidity and mortality.     

Gastrointestinal phytobezoars in childhood

We reviewed 33 children under the age of 15 with gastrointestinal phytobezoars. Twenty were boys and 13 were girls. Nearly all patients were observed in late fall and winter. In 22 patients, symptoms developed following ingestion of several ripe or dried persimmons with seeds but none had a history of unripe persimmon ingestion. All patients but three underwent enterotomy, gastrotomy, or enterotomy combined with gastrotomy for bezoar removal. The remaining three had small bowel resection due to strangulation. There was a single location of the bezoar in 85% and multiple locations in 15% at operation. Emergency laparotomy was performed on 25 patients who had typical mechanical intestinal obstruction revealed the plain abdominal films. It is not surprising that persimmon is the most common cause of bezoar formation in Korea, because it is a favorite fruit among Koreans, either in hard, soft, or dried variety.     

A rare case of ileus caused by ileum endometriosis

IntroductionWe report our experience involving a rare case of ileum endometriosis complicated with small bowel obstruction.Presentation of case33 years old female patient, admitted to emergency service with abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and vomiting. Abdominal X-ray showed dilated small bowel loops. Computerized tomography scan showed dilated small intestine segments excepting last ileum loop, gastric distension, enlarged ovaries.Emergency laparotomy was performed, showing acute bowel obstruction due to a stenotic tumor placed on the terminal ileum, cecum tumors, multiple tumors in Douglas pouch, multiple mesenteric enlarged lymph nodes. Right colectomy is performed with an ileo-transverso stomy placed in right hypochondrium. Postoperative evolution without complication, patient discharged after 13-days hospitalization. After hormonal treatment, she returned for a second look and ileotransverso anastomosis.DiscussionGastrointestinal involvement of endometriosis has been found in 3%–37% of menstruating women. Ileum localization is very rare (1%–7%), causing intestinal obstruction 7%–23% of cases. Intraoperative differential diagnosis is difficult, predisposing at confusion with other types of tumors. In the absence of fast microscopic exam, the tumor was considered malignant and imposed a right hemicolectomy.ConclusionIntestinal obstruction due to ileum endometriosis is a rare condition, however, it should always be considered in the differential diagnosis in women of reproductive age.     

Retrocecal hernia preoperatively diagnosed by computed tomography: A case report

IntroductionRetrocecal hernia is a rare type of pericecal hernia. Because it is difficult to diagnose preoperatively, it is often treated with emergency operation.Case presentationAn 83-year-old male patient experienced sudden abdominal pain. Marked small bowel dilatation and intestinal obstruction were detected by abdominal computed tomography (CT). An enhanced CT scan also revealed a trapped cluster of small bowel loops behind the cecum and ascending colon. We preoperatively diagnosed small bowel ileus as a result of retrocecal hernia. After conservative therapy with a long intestinal tube, an emergency operation was performed. During the surgery, a portion of the ileum was found to be incarcerated in the retrocecal fossa. Intestinal resection was not necessary because the incarcerated ileum appeared viable, and the orifice to the hernia was opened. The patient was discharged without postoperative complications.DiscussionThe diagnosis of retrocecal hernia can often be confirmed intraoperatively. This disease is identified based on a minimal error in rotation with incarceration behind the cecum during the final phase of descent and fixation of the right colon or failure of cecal and retroperitoneal fixation. Early preoperative diagnosis is important to prevent intestinal ischemia, necrosis, and perforation and to reduce resection rates.ConclusionEarly preoperative diagnosis is important to avoid resection of the small intestine. CT scans are useful for preoperative diagnosis in case of retrocecal hernia.     

Laparoscopic Enterolithotomy Is a Valid Option to Treat Gallstone Ileus

Gallstone ileus is a well-recognized clinical entity. It usually affects elderly female patients, and very often diagnosis can be delayed resulting in high morbidity and mortality. An abdominal x-ray and computed tomographic (CT) scan of the abdomen may show classical radiological features of small bowel obstruction, pneumobilia, and an ectopic gallstone. Laparotomy and enterlithotomy with or without definite biliary surgery is an established treatment. Since 1992, many cases of laparoscopic-assisted enterolithotomy have been reported. Only a few cases of a totally laparoscopic approach have been documented. We present the case of a 75-year-old lady who presented with features of intestinal obstruction. A plain x-ray of the abdomen and a CT scan confirmed the classical features of gallstone ileus. A totally laparoscopic enterolithotomy was performed using 6 ports. A 6-cm gallstone was retrieved through a longitudinal enterotomy. The transverse closure of the enterotomy was performed with intracorporeal suturing, resulting in an uneventful postoperative recovery. We suggest that a CT scan helps in the early diagnosis of the cause of intestinal obstruction, and totally laparoscopic enterolithomy with intracorporeal enterotomy repair is a valid, safe option.