A rare cause of gastrointestinal obstruction. Drug poisoning as a surgical disorder?

Pol Przegl Chir. 2018 Feb 28;90(1):55-58. doi: 10.5604/01.3001.0011.5967.

Abstract

A patient had intestinal obstruction due to a rare cause. The patient presented unusual signs and symptoms. Although we performed a thorough diagnostic workup (CT, ultrasound, radiography, endoscopy), only laparotomy revealed that a bezoar caused the intestinal obstruction. The bezoar consisted of a herbal preparation, which was mentioned by the patient twice as a possible cause of his symptoms. All in all, the patient was right.

Keywords: Bezoar; Devil’s claw; Gastrointestinal obstruction; Harpagophytum procumbens; Hypotension; Over the Counter Drugs; Peristalsis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
  • Harpagophytum / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Obstruction / diagnostic imaging*
  • Intestinal Obstruction / surgery*
  • Male
  • Plant Extracts / adverse effects*
  • Plant Roots / adverse effects*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Plant Extracts