Question

Treatment for gastric phytobezoars includes all of the following EXCEPT

1: flushing with cola.
2: enzymatic therapy with cellulase.
3: meat tenderizer that contains papain.
4: surgical removal of the bezoar.

Answer 1

The treatments for gastric phytobezoars include flushing with cola, enzymatic therapy with cellulase, and use of meat tenderizer containing papain. Surgical removal is generally only considered when other treatments fail.

Step-by-step explanation:

The treatment for gastric phytobezoars includes various non-surgical methods such as:

1. Flushing with cola, which is used to dissolve the bezoar due to its acidic pH and effervescent effects.
2. Enzymatic therapy with cellulase, which helps to break down the cellulose content of the phytobezoar.
3. Use of a meat tenderizer that contains papain, an enzyme that can help to digest the proteinaceous components of the bezoar.

However, surgical removal of the bezoar is not typically the first line of treatment. Surgery is considered only when the bezoar is too large, too hard, or has caused complications such as gastrointestinal obstruction, making it unresponsive to other treatment modalities.