Open AccessExtremely unusual case of gastrointestinal trichobezoar
Author(s) -
Sopan N Jatal,
Nawab Jamadar,
Bhagwat Jadhav,
Saleha Siddiqui,
Sachin B Ingle
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
world journal of clinical cases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.368
H-Index - 10
ISSN - 2307-8960
DOI - 10.12998/wjcc.v3.i5.466
Subject(s) - medicine , laparotomy , bezoar , vomiting , constipation , duodenum , pylorus , general surgery , abdominal pain , laparoscopy , endoscopy , emergency department , surgery , girl , mentally retarded , stomach , gastroenterology , psychiatry , psychology , developmental psychology
Trichobezoars (hair ball) are usually located in the stomach, but may extend through the pylorus into the duodenum and small bowel (Rapunzel syndrome). Rapunzel syndrome remains uncommon; with fewer than 40 cases reported. To the best of our knowledge, this case may be the first well-documented case with a length of 75 cm. They are almost always associated with trichotillomania and trichophagia or other psychiatric disorders. In the literature several treatment options are proposed, including removal by conventional laparotomy, laparoscopy and endoscopy. Herein, we are reporting an interesting case of an 18-year mentally retarded girl with history of trichotillomania and trichophagia who presented to our emergency department with a history of central abdominal pain associated with vomiting and constipation for five days. An examination showed a trichobezoar requiring emergent surgical intervention, and indicating the need for psychiatric treatment. The trichobezoar was treated successfully by laparoscopy.