Abstract
Rapunzel syndrome is an unusual form of trichobezoar that occurs in patients with a history of psychiatric disorders, trichotillomania and trichophagia, which leads to the development of gastric bezoar. It is most common in children and adolescents. The diagnosis is usually made only after the trichobezoar is detected. Treatment includes surgical removal of the trichobezoar and treatment of the underlying psychiatric illness with psychotherapy.
Case report: A 15-year-old girl complained of general weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, feeling of heaviness in the stomach. The complaints lasted for several weeks, due to a sharp increase in their intensity, the girl turned to the clinic. A gastroscopic examination was performed. Examination showed a large foreign body (trichobezoar) in the stomach, occupying a large part of the organ. Due to the size of the foreign body, it cannot be removed endoscopically.
After the anterior-middle laparotomy of the abdominal wall, the anterior wall of the stomach was mobilized and a gastrotomy was performed. A large 70-80 cm long trichobezoar was evacuated from the stomach, which had passed into the duodenum and small intestine. Histopathological examination revealed black- and yellow-colored hairs.