Hairball Horror: Stomach-Sized Mass Removed

Recent medical cases in Bengaluru have shed light on trichobezoars, commonly known as stomach hairballs, often resulting from trichotillomania and trichophagia. These psychiatric conditions involve compulsive hair pulling and ingestion.

One startling case involved a 23-year-old woman who underwent surgery for a massive 24x14cm trichobezoar. She had suffered months of discomfort before the hairball was discovered occupying most of her stomach.

Doctors also reported an extremely rare case of Rapunzel syndrome in a two-year-old child. This condition, where the hair mass extends from the stomach to the intestines, developed due to the child ingesting hair and non-food items since infancy.

Untreated trichobezoars can become life-threatening by obstructing food passage. Early identification of unusual eating habits, especially in children with pica, is crucial to prevent severe complications. Treatment typically involves surgical removal followed by psychiatric support to prevent recurrence.