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Published on: May 24, 2011
Intestinal trichobezoar with perforation in a child
1Department of Surgery, King George's Medical College, Lucknow, India.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|April 1, 1992
Summary
A rare case of a 4-year-old girl with an ileal trichobezoar causing perforation is presented. This hairball led to peritonitis, highlighting a critical surgical emergency in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Intestinal obstruction and perforation are serious pediatric surgical emergencies.
- Trichobezoars, foreign bodies composed of ingested hair, can cause significant gastrointestinal complications.
- Diagnosis can be challenging, especially in young children without a history of trichophagia.
Observation:
- A 4-year-old female presented with clinical signs and symptoms consistent with peritonitis.
- Abdominal exploration was performed due to suspected enteric perforation.
- A large ileal trichobezoar measuring .5 cm in diameter was identified as the cause of perforation.
Findings:
- The ileum showed a significant perforation secondary to a trichobezoar.
- The stomach was found to be free of any bezoar fragments.
- The patient had no reported history of hair eating or nervous habits.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering trichobezoars in the differential diagnosis of pediatric abdominal emergencies.
- Prompt surgical intervention is crucial for managing intestinal perforation caused by bezoars.
- Further research into the etiology and prevention of trichobezoars in children may be warranted.
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