American journal of surgery
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One hundred thirteen patients presented with gastrointestinal complications due to persimmon phytobezoars during a 3 year period. One hundred three patients had a history of persimmon ingestion. One hundred five patients had undergone previous gastric operation for duodenal ulcer, one patient underwent highly selective vagotomy, and seven patients had not undergone previous operation. ⋯ We conclude that the treatment of choice of intestinal obstruction due to persimmon phytobezoars is milking of the bezoar into the large bowel without enterotomy. Preoperative or operative endoscopy should be performed in patients presenting with complications of gastrointestinal phytobezoars. Patients who have undergone gastric operation should be warned against the risk of persimmon ingestion.