Cola Used to Dissolve Stomach Bezoar, Saving 86-Year-Old Man With Non-Invasive Treatment

Doctors in Taiwan have successfully treated an 86-year-old man's stomach bezoar, a mass of undigested food residue measuring 4x5 cm, using a non-invasive method of injecting cola, thereby avoiding surgery. This innovative approach leverages the acidity and carbonation of cola to dissolve the bezoar, proving effective for elderly patients with impaired digestion and swallowing. The patient had suffered from abdominal bloating, nausea, and loss of appetite for three months, leading to a 3kg weight loss. Investigations including X-rays, CT scans, and endoscopy revealed the bezoar in his stomach, which had also caused inflammation and bleeding of the gastric lining. The patient had pre-existing conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia, and hemiplegia, all contributing to reduced gastrointestinal motility. His dietary preference for fibrous fruits like persimmons and citrus fruits was identified as a key factor in the bezoar formation. Dr. Tseng Chih-wei, a gastroenterologist at Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, proposed the low-cost, minimally invasive cola treatment, considering the high surgical risks for an 86-year-old patient. Cola, with a pH of approximately 2.6, contains carbonic and phosphoric acids that enhance the digestive capacity of stomach acid. The released carbon dioxide (CO2) bubbles can penetrate the gaps within the food residue, creating internal physical pressure to break down the bezoar's structure. Additionally, the sodium bicarbonate content in cola aids in breaking down mucus and softening the fibrous clumps. The medical team used an endoscope to inject a 250ml can of cola directly into the bezoar. Immediately upon injection, CO2 bubbles formed, coating the bezoar's surface and initiating its disintegration. A follow-up endoscopy several days later confirmed the complete disappearance of the bezoar, with the patient showing good recovery and improved appetite. Dr. Tseng emphasized that the ultimate goal of medicine is to restore a patient's health with minimal pain. He also warned that untreated bezoars can lead to gastric ulcers, perforations, or intestinal obstruction. He urged caregivers of the elderly, especially those who are bedridden or have dementia, to limit difficult-to-digest foods and seek prompt medical attention for any signs of digestive abnormalities.