Small-bowel obstruction due to consumption of oleaster-leafed pear: a retrospective study

Objective: Small-bowel obstruction is a common emergency worldwide. 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. Here, we describe adhesive small-bowel obstruction following consumption of wild pear.Material and Methods: The medical records of patients who were followed with a diagnosis of adhesion-related small-bowel obstruction between May 2018 and September 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups as wild pear-related small-bowel obstruction (Group 1) and patients with not wild pear-related small-bowel obstruction (Group 2). Patient characteristics, blood parameters and clinical features were compared between groups.Results: A total of 74 patients including 16 in Group 1 and 58 in Group 2 were included. The median age in Group 1 and Group 2 was 55 and 60.5, respectively. Increased levels of leukocyte, C-reactive protein, blood urea nitrogen 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 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 started may be a clue for food-induced small-bowel obstruction.