Gastric outlet obstruction secondary to a large trichobezoar

Abstract

A bezoar is an accumulation of indigestible exogenous matter in the stomach or intestine. Many different types of bezoars have been described, including phytobezoars, pharmacobezoars, and trichobezoars. A gastric trichobezoar consists of an accumulation of hair-usually the patient’s own-in the stomach. They can become very large, often with a btailQ extending into the patient’s duodenum (Rapunzel syndrome) which can cause small bowel obstruction, jaundice or even acute pancreatitis. Gastric trichobezoars are an unusual cause of outlet obstruction in the pediatric emergency department.