Laparoscopic removal of a large gastric trichobezoar in a 4-year-old girl
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Jessica Cintolo1, Dana A Telem, Celia M Divino
1The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Background:
Standard treatment of large gastric bezoars not amenable to medical or endoscopic management is surgical removal. The optimal operative approach, laparotomy versus laparoscopy, is a contested subject. Though laparoscopic removal has been described, it remains a relatively new technique for surgical management with outcome literature limited to case reports. In addition, currently described laparoscopic techniques often involve limited midline laparotomy incisions or >3 cm extensions of port sites.
Methods:
The following describes the case of a 4-year-old girl with a large gastric trichobezoar.
Results:
The gastric trichobezoar was successfully removed through a 12-mm left lower quadrant trocar incision cosmetically hidden within a skin crease.
Conclusion:
This case, along with accumulating literature, supports the use of laparoscopy to treat large gastric bezoars.
