A Case of Giant Gastric Trichobezoar

Abstract

Trichobezoar is an unusual form of bezoar found in the digestive tract, mostly in the stomach. The patient is often a female in her adolescence who pulls out and swallows her hair. This habit could stem from anxiety and the trichotillomania disorder. These hairs accumulate in the stomach and cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Our patient is a 14-year-old girl who came to us complaining of abdominal pain. Upon further evaluation by ultrasonography and endoscopy, trichobezoar was diagnosed. Laparotomy and gastrotomy were performed,and a large bezoar was removed. Although the occurrence of trichobezoar is rare, surgeons should always consider the situation in patients with vague gastrointestinal symptoms and psychological problems, especially in young female individuals.

Keywords

• trichobezoar
• trichotillomania
• trichophagia
• gastrotomy
• rapunzel syndrome