# Uncommon cause of large bowel obstruction in a pediatric patient: A case of phytobezoar induced by peas

## TL;DR

A 2-year-old girl developed a rare large bowel obstruction caused by undigested peas, highlighting the importance of recognizing phytobezoars in pediatric patients.

## Contribution

This is the first documented case of large bowel obstruction caused by phytobezoars from peas in a pediatric patient.

## Key findings

- Excessive pea consumption led to phytobezoar formation and large bowel obstruction in a 2-year-old.
- Surgical intervention was required to remove impacted phytobezoars and hard fecal matter.
- The case emphasizes the need to consider phytobezoars in pediatric patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.

## Abstract

Phytobezoars, which are indigestible plant materials located in the gastrointestinal tract, are an uncommon cause of intestinal blockage, especially in pediatric patients. This report details a case involving a 2-year-old girl who experienced a large bowel obstruction caused by phytobezoars resulting from excessive consumption of peas who exhibited symptoms of abdominal swelling, an inability to pass stool and gas, and vomiting, abdominal distension with visible peristalsis with a plain abdominal X-ray finding of multiple air-fluid levels and enlarged bowel loops. Surgical intervention was initiated due to a suspected small bowel obstruction and reveals impacted phytobezoars and hard fecal matter, necessitating a colotomy for their removal. There is no report of case causing large bowel obstruction due to peas and up to our best, it is the first case to be documented of such a large obstruction resulting from peas. This case highlights the significance of considering phytobezoars in young patients who present with risk factors and gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly following dietary changes. Timely identification and suitable management can avert complications and unnecessary surgical interventions.