A Case of Trichobezoar in an Adolescent Female

Introduction: Trichobezoar is a condition where hair builds up in the stomach, forming a mass that resembles a ball. Since human hair is resistant to peristalsis and digestion, it eventually builds up in the folds of the stomach. Affected individuals with trichotillomania and tricophagia have a propensity to pull out their own hair and consume it. Nearly all of the cases of the condition are in females. Case presentation: Several days prior to her presentation, a 13-year-old female patient arrived at the emergency room complaining of epigastric pain, frequent vomiting episodes, chronic abdominal discomfort, and weight loss. Upon clinical examination, a 20 X 15 cm epigastric mass that descends to the umbilicus is found. All of the laboratory tests came back clean. Ultrasonography and a simple abdominal x-ray were not specific. In order to demonstrate the presence of a significant filling defect extending to the second part of the duodenum within the stomach, a barium meal was performed. An upper endoscopy was performed for additional confirmation and revealed a large trichobezoar that was gastric-confined. This enormous hairy mass was removed through surgery. The post-operative recovery took place without a hitch and produced satisfactory results. Conclusion: Trichobezoar is an extremely rare condition that may be encountered during surgical practice; a high index of suspicion is required for diagnosis, and endoscopy remains the gold standard method for investigation and diagnosis. The primary treatment method is open surgery. All patients require psychiatric consultation and long-term monitoring.