Efficient treatment of esophageal nutrition bezoars: dissolution outmatches removal—the Zurich approach

Enteral feed bezoars are difficult to treat and can lead to serious adverse events. There is no standardized treatment approach and various strategies have been suggested. We herein describe three cases of successful dissolutions of feed bezoars consisting of Promote^® Fibre Plus with sodium bicarbonate 8.4% in critically ill patients. To provide the rationale for this approach, the effect of sodium bicarbonate 8.4% on enteral feed concretions was studied in vitro. First, Promote^® Fibres Plus was incubated with hydrochloric acid with gradually decreasing pH values to establish a pH at which the solution solidifies. The resulting enteral feed concretion was exposed to sodium bicarbonate 8.4% and Coca Cola^®. All patients were successfully treated with sodium bicarbonate 8.4% without the need of lengthy or repeat endoscopies. In vitro, Promote^® Fibres Plus solidifies when acidified below a pH of 4.6. The resulting enteral feed concretions dissolved when exposed to sodium bicarbonate 8.4%. Incubation with Coca Cola^® had no effect. We provide evidence that enteral feed bezoars consisting of Promote^® Fibres Plus can be efficiently and safely treated with sodium bicarbonate 8.4% offering a new approach for daily patient care.