PICA LEADING TO LITHOBEZOAR AND TRICHOBEZOAR IN ADULT MALE: A CASE REPORT

Dr Bhuvana Lakshmi Sundararajan; Dr Siddartha Gowthaman; Dr Arul Kumar; Dr Ramanathan M

Volume : IX, Issue : III, March - 2020

PICA LEADING TO LITHOBEZOAR AND TRICHOBEZOAR IN ADULT MALE: A CASE REPORT

Dr Bhuvana Lakshmi Sundararajan, Dr Siddartha Gowthaman, Dr Arul Kumar, Dr Ramanathan M

Abstract :

Introduction Pica is common in patients with developmental disabilities and can be life–threatening. It is important to identify pica and manage it appropriately. Case Report A 19–year–old male presented with history of abdominal pain and vomiting for two days. On imaging he was found to have multiple foreign bodies within the small and large bowel. After trial of conservative management, he was taken up for exploratory laparotomy. He was found to have trichobezoar and lithobezoar obstructing the bowel at terminal ileum. Bezoars when removed via enterotomy. Discussion Bezoars are conglomerates of non–absorbable food or fie formed in the alimentary tract. Trichobezoar forms following ingestion of hair and usually leads to gastric outlet obstruction. Lithobezoar refers to the accumulation of stones in the GIT. Reports of colonic lithobezoar are rare. Pica is the persistent ingestion of non–nutritive substances beyond a developmentally inappropriate age. Patients should be referred to a psychologist/behaviour analyst and caregivers should also be educated.