Acute Intestinal Obstruction Due to Phytobezoar at Ileocecal Junction: A Rare Case Report

Phytobezoars are an uncommon cause of acute intestinal obstruction in adults, formed from undigested plant material. Due to their rarity and difficulty in diagnosis, they pose a challenge in emergency surgical settings. We report a case of a 30-year-old male who presented with abdominal pain, recurrent vomiting, and absolute constipation for five days. He had no significant medical history but was a chronic alcoholic. Clinical examination revealed abdominal distension, exaggerated bowel sounds, and ballooning on per rectal examination. Radiographic findings showed a characteristic concentric pattern suggestive of obstruction. After stabilization with nasogastric decompression and intravenous fluids, the patient underwent emergency laparotomy. A mobile intraluminal mass was found at the ileocecal junction, identified as a 10-cm-long phytobezoar, which was successfully removed through a longitudinal enterotomy followed by transverse closure. Phytobezoars are rare but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intestinal obstruction, particularly in chronic alcoholics. Their nonspecific presentation and limitations in imaging make surgical exploration crucial in undiagnosed cases. Early recognition and intervention are essential to prevent complications.

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