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A Case Report of Bezoar-Induced Small Bowel Obstruction: A Potential Surgical Complication of Semaglutide

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Bezoars are an uncommon but recognised cause of small bowel obstruction (SBO) and are difficult to differentiate preoperatively from other aetiologies. We report a rare case of acute SBO due to a bezoar in a 65-year-old woman who had been on semaglutide, a Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist therapy for weight loss. She presented with a four-day history of abdominal pain, distension, nausea, and vomiting. Imaging confirmed SBO. Following unsuccessful nonoperative management, she underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and laparoscopic resection of a jejunal segment containing a large phytobezoar. We postulated that semaglutide-induced gastroparesis and slow intestinal transit may have contributed to bezoar formation and subsequent bowel obstruction. This case highlights a rare but important surgical adverse effect, particularly in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists who present with bowel obstruction.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.99664

Authors: Cambo Keng, Sze Mun Thor, Ramana Balasubramaniam, Frans Pretorius

Institution: Goulburn Valley Health

Language: English

Topic: Intestinal and Peritoneal Adhesions

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4417517741