Bezoar Formation and Risk Factors

Composition and Types

Phytobezoars, composed of vegetable or fruit fibers and seeds, are the most common type of bezoar, according to the World Journal of Emergency Surgery 1

Reduced gastric motility and gastroparesis impair normal digestive processes, increasing the risk of bezoar formation, as reported by the World Journal of Emergency Surgery 1
Loss of pyloric function prevents normal gastric emptying, contributing to bezoar formation, as noted by the World Journal of Emergency Surgery 1, 2
Hypoacidity reduces the breakdown of ingested materials, increasing the risk of bezoar formation, according to the World Journal of Emergency Surgery 1, 2
Prior gastric surgery, such as vagotomy, pyloroplasty, gastric bypass, or sleeve gastrectomy, alters normal anatomy and function, increasing the risk of bezoar formation, as reported by the World Journal of Emergency Surgery and Praxis Medical Insights 1, 3
Poor mastication habits and high consumption of high-fiber foods, particularly in post-bariatric surgery patients, increase the risk of bezoar formation, as noted by the World Journal of Emergency Surgery 1, 2

Following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the relatively restricting gastro-jejunostomy and small gastric pouch create additional risk factors for phytobezoar formation, composed predominantly of vegetable and fruit fibers, as reported by the World Journal of Emergency Surgery 1, 2
The treatment approach for bezoars differs significantly based on anatomical position, regardless of composition, as noted by the World Journal of Emergency Surgery 1, 2