Laparoscopic gastrotomy resection for giant phytobezoars in an HIV patient: a case report

Phytobezoars are masses of indigestible plant material that accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, usually in the stomach. They are often associated with aberrations in gastric function, stemming from a spectrum of etiological factors. A 71-year-old Han Chinese man presented with chronic upper abdominal pain for 3 months. The patient had been HIV positive for 10 years and the patient's concurrent COVID-19 infection, it was recommended that the patient address the issue of bezoar through oral cola at home. However, after 3 months of oral cola therapy, he did not experience any relief from his abdominal pain and returned to our hospital for laparoscopic gastrotomy. The patient recovered successfully on the tenth postoperative day. Managing rare and complex conditions such as giant phytobezoars in HIV-infected patients with COVID-19 infection poses both challenges and opportunities. As a surgical option for patients with such conditions, laparoscopic gastrotomy is feasible and effective.