A Case of Huge Gastric Phytobezoar Removed by Endoscope using Argon Plasma.
- Author:
Byung Wook HA
1
;
Ji Hoon KIM
;
Young Tak SEO
;
Mi Jin KIM
;
Young Hwan HAM
;
Sang Su BAE
;
Hyung Jun CHU
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Hong Ik General Hospital, Seoul, Korea. jhchudr@naver.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Bezoar;
Endoscope;
Argon plasma
- MeSH:
Aged;
Argon Plasma Coagulation;
Argon*;
Bezoars;
Endoscopes*;
Endoscopy;
Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal;
Humans;
Korea;
Lithotripsy, Laser;
Plasma*;
SNARE Proteins;
Stomach;
Surgical Instruments
- From:Korean Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
2007;34(2):88-93
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Bezoars are persistent concretions of indigestible material that are usually found in the stomach. With the significant development of endoscopic techniques, many authors have reported the removal of bezoars using methods such as endoscopic forceps, snares, electrohydraulic lithotripsy, laser. However, there are no reports of using argon plasma to remove a bezoar in Korea. Argon plasma coagulation is a non-contact electrosurgical technique, which is an inexpensive, easily learned, and effective method in gastrointestinal endoscopy. In addition, this method is associated with a decreased risk of perforation and tissue damage by maintaining a controllable depth of coagulation. We report a 71-year-old man with a 11x11x8 cm sized huge gastric phytobezoar found by endoscopy. The bezoar was broken into pieces using the argon plasma coagulator. Endoscopic forceps and a basket were then used to crush and extract its fragments. The bezoar was removed safely without any complications. We report this case with a review of the relevant literature.
