Rectal seed bezoar due to sunflower seed: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Seed bezoars are a subcategory of phytobezoars, caused by consumption of indigestible vegetable or fruit seeds. We present the case of a 64-year-old male patient, who presented at the Emergency Department, complaining of constipation, tenesmus and rectal pain. History and digital examination revealed a rectal seed bezoar due to sunflower seeds, impacted in the lower rectum. The patient underwent manual disimpaction under general anaesthesia, after conservative measures failed. Seed bezoars represent a different pathophysiological process compared to fibre bezoars. They are usually found in the rectum of patients without predisposing factors, causing constipation and anorectal pain. History taking and digital rectal examination are the cornerstones of diagnosis, with manual disimpaction under general anaesthesia being the procedure of choice.