Kerala surgeons remove 1kg hair mass from girl with rare Rapunzel syndrome

Medical teams at a private hospital in Kerala performed emergency surgery on the young patient after diagnostic scans and endoscopy revealed severe intestinal obstruction caused by a dense mass of hair. The condition, known as Rapunzel syndrome, results from trichophagia—the compulsive consumption of hair—which accumulates in the digestive tract and can cause life-threatening blockages.

The girl presented with acute abdominal symptoms that prompted immediate investigation. Imaging studies and endoscopic examination confirmed the presence of the hair mass spanning her stomach and small intestine. Surgeons determined that the obstruction required surgical intervention to prevent further complications.

During the procedure, doctors successfully removed approximately one kilogram of accumulated hair material. The extraction relieved the intestinal blockage and addressed the immediate medical emergency. The patient's condition stabilised following the intervention.

Rapunzel syndrome remains an uncommon diagnosis, typically requiring a combination of behavioural and surgical management. Medical teams emphasise the importance of early detection and intervention in cases of suspected trichophagia, particularly in children. The case highlights the potential severity of the condition when left untreated and the critical role of prompt diagnostic evaluation in managing unusual intestinal obstructions.