Historically, for the treatment of phytobezoars, a peroral administration of papain, a proteolytic enzyme present in papaya, or celhilase, a catalytic enzyme essentially produced by bac-teria or protozoa, has been used. Since Ladas et al described a successful treatment outcome with Coca-Cola lavage in 5 gastric phytobezoar patients in 2002, Coca-Cola administration has been widely accepted as an effective, safe method for phytobezoar resolution. However, to our knowledge, there is no in vivo-controlled study or in vitro evidence showing the superior dissolubility of bezoars by Coca-Cola beverages. In addition, although several authors have noted similar treatment effects by Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Light, or Coca-Cola Zero, studies comparing these sugar-free beverages and the original version of Coca-Cola have not been reported to date.
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