Small-Bowel Obstruction From Bran Cereal
- Daniel L. Miller, MD;
- Pamela F. Miller, RD, CDE
- Jan J. Dekker, MD, PhD
Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text.
Excerpt
To the Editor.— During the past decade, a diet high in fiber has been recommended in the prevention and/or treatment of diabetes, colon cancer, heart disease, irritable bowel disease, diverticular disease, hypercholesterolemia, and constipation.1,2 Today, concentrated dietary fiber (ie, whole-grain cereals) is the most commonly used source of fiber in the United States.3 However, use of concentrated fiber has not been without complications. Cases of diarrhea and small-bowel obstruction have been reported.4,5 Recently, we treated a 34-year-old man for small-bowel obstruction caused by a bran cereal bezoar.
Report of a Case.— The patient was instructed by his physician to eat a large bowl of bran cereal, approximately 20 g/d, for constipation. After 10 days of eating the bran cereal, he developed periumbilical pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. His medical history revealed only that he had a 2-year history of hypertension that required daily diuretic therapy. The patient
