Fitobezoar as an unusual cause of high mechanical intestinal obstruction

Authors

Keywords:

bezoars; bowel obstruction; general surgery; laparotomy

Abstract

Introduction: Intestinal phytobezoars are a rare but clinically relevant cause of mechanical intestinal obstruction, particularly in young patients. Their presentation is often subtle and is associated with dietary habits typical of rural areas, which makes timely diagnosis challenging.

Objective: To present an interesting case of an intestinal obstruction by phytobezoar in a young patient.

Clinical Case: 25-year-old male patient who came to Emergency with colicky abdominal pain, accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and cessation of intestinal transit. He was diagnosed with a mechanical intestinal obstruction, and during the surgical intervention, a phytobezoar composed of undigested fragments of guava (Psidium guajava) was found.

Conclusions: Early recognition of phytobezoars as a cause of intestinal obstruction is essential to prevent serious complications, particularly in young patients with predisposing dietary habits.

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References

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Published

2026-02-16

How to Cite

1.
Bejerano Durán R, Lobaina Rodrígez JR. Fitobezoar as an unusual cause of high mechanical intestinal obstruction. Rev. cuba. med. mil [Internet]. 2026 Feb. 16 [cited 2026 Aug. 16];55(1):e026076870. Available from: https://revmedmilitar.sld.cu/index.php/mil/article/view/76870

Issue

Vol. 55 No. 1 (2026): January - March

Section

Case Presentation

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Copyright (c) 2026 Royland Bejerano Durán, Jaime Rocney Lobaina Rodrígez

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