Abstract
Background: Small-bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common emergency
worldwide and adhesions are the main cause. Oleaster-leafed pear
(Pyrus elaeagnifolia Pall. ) is an endemic wild pear species in
Anatolia. The wild pear fruits are consumed for the treatment of
diarrhea in traditional medicine in Turkey. Here, we aimed to describe
SBO caused by excessive consumption of wild pear and compare clinical
features of it with those in adhesive SBO.
Methods: The medical records of patients who were followed with a
diagnosis of SBO between May 2018 and September 2019 were reviewed.
Patients with wild pear-related SBO (Group 1) and patients with adhesive
SBO (Group 2) were included in the study. Patient characteristics, blood
parameters and clinical features were compared.
Results: A total of 74 patients including 16 in Group 1 and 58 in group
2 were included. Amount of wild pear consumed was median 600 grammes
(range, 450-800 gr). The median age in Group 1 and Group 2 was 55 and
60.5, respectively. History of previous SBO was more common in Group 2
(p=0.032). Increased levels of WBC, CRP and BUN were significantly more
frequent in Group 2 (all p<0.05). Group 1 was associated with
a shorter duration of complaints and faster recovery (all
p<0.05). Surgical intervention was required for six patients
(10.3%) in only Group 2.
Conclusion: The potential adverse effects of over-consumed traditional
medicines should be kept in mind. Questioning the last food consumed
before the complaints start may be a clue for food-induced SBO.
Keywords: adhesive bowel obstruction; oleaster-leafed pear;
small-bowel obstruction; traditional medicine; wild fruit.