Bezoar Ileus in Patients with a History of Abdominal Surgery: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Treatment Options

Abstract

Abstract Background:This study aims to compare the effectiveness of surgical and conservative medical treatments for bezoar ileus in patients with a history of abdominal surgery. Methods:A total of 80 patients diagnosed with bezoar ileus and with a history of abdominal surgery were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups based on treatment: conservative medical (n=26) management and surgical (n=54). The primary outcome measure was the resolution of the bezoar ileus without complications. Secondary outcome measures include the length of hospital stay, mortality, and readmission after discharge. Data were collected from electronic medical records and analysed using appropriate statistical methods. Results:Eighty patients were included in the study, with 26 and 54 patients in treatment groups. The uncomplicated resolution rate was in the surgical group (74,42%), and all complications were related to the postoperative follow-up period. No complication developed during the treatment in 26 patients who received medical treatment. The surgical group also had a significantly shorter hospital stay (mean four days) compared to the medical group (mean seven days) (p < 0.01). Mortality and readmission after discharge rates were similar between the two groups. Conclusions:Results were similar between surgical treatment and conservative medical treatment in the resolution of bezoar ileus. Surgical treatment was more effective than conservative medical management in reducing hospital stays in patients with prior abdominal surgery. Between the group treated without surgery and the group treated with surgery, respectively, no statistically significant difference was found in terms of mean age, female-male distribution, concomitant disease (excluding cancer history), localization (excluding stomach), bezoar width and length, mortality, incision type (except McBurney), and readmission after discharge (p>0.05). Nonetheless, further prospective studies with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods must confirm these findings.