Trichobezoar: An Uncommon Cause of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding
October 2012
in “
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
”
TLDR A hairball in the stomach can cause serious issues and may need surgery and psychiatric care.
A 21-year-old female presented with abdominal pain and symptoms of upper GI bleeding, which led to the discovery of a massive trichobezoar through upper GI endoscopy. The trichobezoar, weighing 550 grams, caused ulceration and required surgical removal via single incision laparoscopic surgery. The patient recovered well and was referred for psychiatric care to address trichophagia. Trichobezoars, primarily found in young women, are associated with trichophagia and trichotillomania, and can lead to complications such as peptic ulcer disease. Diagnosis is confirmed through endoscopy, and surgical intervention is often necessary. Psychiatric follow-up is crucial to prevent recurrence.