Endoscopic treatment for a giant gastric bezoar: Sequential use of electrohydraulic lithotripsy, alligator forceps, and snares

Abstract

A 62‐year‐old woman with no past history was referred to our hospital for endoscopic treatment of a large gastric bezoar measuring 10 cm in diameter. The bezoar had a hard surface and huge volume. A tunnel was created at the center of the bezoar using electrohydraulic lithotripsy and was dilated using a through‐the‐scope balloon. The bezoar was then gradually crushed using alligator forceps and snares to decrease the risk of intestinal obstruction by the crushed bezoar fragments. The sequential use of electrohydraulic lithotripsy, alligator forceps, and snares according to the therapeutic plan enabled the endoscopic treatment of the giant gastric bezoar without surgery.