Endoscopic Removal of Efferent Loop Bezoars in Postgastretomy Pateints

Efferent loop bezoars rarely occur. However when patients have a history of gastrectomy and gastrojejunal anastomosis, they are sometimes found. Small bowel obstruction by efferent loop bezoar has a mortality rate as high as 30%. Although various endoscopic procedures were reported to remove gastric bezoars, the traditional treatment option of small bowel bezoars is operative management. But as in the cases we describe here, endoscopic procedure may offer an effective alternative for efferent loop bezoars. Bezoars obstructing efferent loop were found in patients with history of gastrectomy and they were removed by endoscopy successfully. (Korean J Helicobacter Up Gastrointest Res 2012;12:124-127)