Trichobezoar, An Unusual Cause of Small Bowel Obstruction in Pediatrics Age Group

Abstract

Purpose: Trichobezoar, is a ball of swallowed hair, which is usually found in the stomach with a possibility of extension to the duodenum. As the tail can propagate to the small intestine, it is also given the name “Rapunzel syndrome”. The primary aim of this paper is to highlight an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction in children and to share our experience of management in one of the youngest children reported in the literature. The secondary aim is to share a review of literature on this topic.
 Methodology: The hospital case notes of our patient were thoroughly reviewed and detailed history was confirmed with the family. Radiological imaging was discussed with a senior radiologist. We report a 3-year-old African child who presented to our emergency department with signs and symptoms of acute intestinal obstruction.
 Findings: After a thorough review of the literature, we document that ours is the second report of trichobezoar causing small intestinal obstruction in a 3-year-old child. At laparotomy, a 25 cm long trichobezoar was removed from the ileum with an enterotomy.
 Recommendations: Although it is a rare and unusual cause of isolated small bowel obstruction but with prompt diagnosis and timely intervention the outcome is excellent.