Bezoars--when the 'knot in the stomach' is real.

Bezoars, gastric or intestinal concretions of undigested fruit fibers, vegetable matter, or human hair, can cause acute obstruction or long-term interference with normal digestion and absorption of nutrients. Likelihood of bezoar formation is increased in patients who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery. In particular, patients who have had gastric reduction for morbid obesity may form a high-risk population. Certain diseases or medicines also can predispose to bezoar formation. Except in emergencies, when surgical removal is necessary, dissolution of bezoars by various enzymatic preparations is the currently accepted treatment.