Small-bowel obstruction due to excessive consumption of oleaster-leafed
pear (Pyrus elaeagnifolia Pall.): A retrospective study
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.