Recurrent Rapenzul Syndrome in a Male Child; A Rare Surgical Entity

Abstract

Rapunzel syndrome is a rare entity when the undigested tuft of hairs accumulated in the stomach and extends beyond the pylorus in the small intestine with a presentation of vomiting, pain in epigastrium and a palpable mass. Recurrence of this pathology is extremely rare, and upto now, only six cases have been reported. We report a male who was partially deaf and dumb, presented with trichophagia and trichobezoar in the age of 5 and 9 years. Both times gastrostomy was performed and trichobezoars were removed completely which were extending in the small intestine. Post-operative recovery was un-eventful and the patient has been referred to the psychiatrist for further management.

Keywords

• trichobezoar
• psychiatric
• rapunzel syndrome
• male child