Enzymatic dissolution of phytobezoars.

A review of phytobezoars is presented, emphasizing medical treatment using enzymatic dissolution for bezoar located in the gastric pouch. Clinical and in vitro studies show the efficacy of both papain and cellulase, and it is suggested that, since each acts on a different component of the bezoar, they be administered in combination. There were no complications with this treatment in the patients reported in this series.