Primary Trichobezoar in Small Intestine: A Case Report

Abstract

Trichobezoar is a rare surgical condition that mostly occurs in the stomach and often causes a surgical emergency when left untreated. It is often predisposed by psychiatric conditions, mental retardation, previous gastric surgery, or abnormal anatomy. Trichobezoar progresses extremely slowly and is diagnosed through imaging such as a barium series, endoscopy, or computed tomography. Surgical removal is typically required. The patient in this case was a 12-year-old girl who presented with symptoms of abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea and constipation. She was found to be anaemic and underweight. Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) diagnosed acute intussusception and small bowel obstruction, which were treated by emergency laparotomy. During the operation, a large primary ileal trichobezoar was found in the distal part of the ileum with hair strands extending up to the transverse colon. The absence of masses elsewhere made the diagnosis even more peculiar, as primary intestinal trichobezoar is highly uncommon. Primary closure of the enterotomy was performed as it was viable, and the postoperative period was uneventful. A history of trichophagia was elicited, and a psychiatric assessment of the patient was conducted. Behavioural therapy was initiated for the trichophagia. In conclusion, trichobezoar is a rare surgical entity with modifiable predisposing factors that require a multidisciplinary management approach.

Keywords

• intestinal obstruction
• intussusception
• rapunzel syndrome