World · India Bureau
Kerala hospital removes 1kg hairball from girl's stomach in rare surgery
A young patient in Kerala underwent emergency surgery after doctors discovered a massive accumulation of hair blocking her digestive tract. The rare condition, known as Rapunzel syndrome, had caused severe intestinal obstruction.
LSN India ·
Doctors at a private hospital in Kerala successfully removed approximately one kilogram of compacted hair from a girl's stomach and small intestine following emergency intervention. The patient had presented with persistent abdominal pain and repeated vomiting, prompting medical staff to conduct diagnostic imaging.
Imaging scans revealed a severe intestinal obstruction, leading physicians to perform an endoscopic examination. The procedure confirmed a large, dense mass of hair accumulated across the stomach and small intestine—a condition medically termed Rapunzel syndrome, named for the fairy tale character known for her long hair.
Rapunzel syndrome is an exceptionally rare condition typically associated with trichotillomania, a psychological disorder in which individuals compulsively pull out their hair. The ingested hair becomes matted and forms an obstructive mass within the digestive tract, potentially causing life-threatening complications if left untreated.
Surgeons successfully extracted the hairball through surgical intervention, relieving the obstruction and the patient's symptoms. The case highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment in managing unusual gastrointestinal emergencies, as well as the need for psychological support in cases involving compulsive hair-pulling behavior.
Hospital authorities confirmed the patient is recovering well following the procedure. Medical experts recommend psychological evaluation and counseling for individuals displaying signs of trichotillomania to prevent such complications from recurring.