Acute Surgical Abdomen Due to Phytobezoar-induced Ileal Obstruction

Background

Phytobezoar-induced small bowel obstruction is an uncommon clinical entity accounting for 2–4.8% of all mechanical intestinal obstructions. In addition, presentation with features of acute surgical abdomen is extremely rare, accounting for only 1% of the patients.

Objectives

The aim of this report is to present a very rare case of a phytobezoar-induced small bowel obstruction in a male patient who presented with acute surgical abdomen. A correct preoperative diagnosis was made based on the patient’s history and characteristic imaging features on the emergency computed tomography (CT) scan.

Case Report

A 55-year-old man with previous gastrectomy presented with typical manifestations of acute abdomen. CT scan demonstrated dilatated small bowel loops and an intraluminal ileal mass with a mottled appearance. At exploratory laparotomy, a phytobezoar was found impacted in the terminal ileum and was removed through an enterotomy.

Conclusions

Phytobezoar should be considered in patients with previous gastric outlet surgery who present with bowel obstruction and features of acute surgical abdomen. The presence of a well-defined intraluminal mass with a mottled gas pattern on emergency CT scan is suggestive of an intestinal phytobezoar.