Vietnam Girl's Hairball Emergency: A Meter-Long Mass Removed

A nine-year-old girl in Vietnam, identified as H., required emergency surgery after a massive hairball completely obstructed her gastrointestinal tract. Doctors discovered a dense mass nearly one meter long, extending from her stomach into her small intestine, leading to severe abdominal pain and vomiting. This critical condition was caused by trichophagia, a habit of eating her own hair that H. had developed since early childhood.

Specialists at FV Hospital performed a complex three-hour laparoscopic surgery combined with gastrointestinal endoscopy to remove the hairball. The minimally invasive procedure successfully cleared the obstruction, providing immediate pain relief for H. She was able to resume normal eating and was discharged five days after the operation, showing significant improvement in her health.

Dr. Le Duc Tuan emphasized that trichophagia, often linked to psychological disorders or stress, can have severe, life-threatening consequences if not detected early. H.'s parents received guidance on behavioral observation and communication, with psychological consultation recommended if the habit persists, to prevent recurrence and ensure her long-term well-being.