BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation, incidence, clinical features, predisposing factors and phytobezoar in patients submitted to bariatric surgeries. METHODS: During November 1997 and January 2004, 512 bariatric surgeries (Fobi/Capella bypass) were performed to treat morbid obesity. In 10 patients phytobezoar was identified. RESULTS: The incidence of phytobezoar resulting in gastrointestinal obstruction was 1,95% (10/512). All cases of phytobezoar were related to unabsorbed suture stitch (prolene). In seven patients an intestinal semi-occlusive or total intestinal obstruction was treated by laparotomy, resection of the anastomosis and confection of a new enteroanastomosis. In three patients the bezoars were located in the gastrojejunal anastomosis and was successfully treated by upper endoscopic procedure. CONCLUSION: The use of unabsorbed suture stitch predicted the formation of phytobezoar in the late postoperative period of gastroplasty patients.
Phytobezoars; Gastroplasty; Obesity; Obesity; Intestinal obstruction
