Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026

A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction
Published on: March 5, 2018
[Recurrent distal ileal obstruction by a trichobezoar in a 5-year-old child]
E Ceaux1, A Binet1, C Francois-Fiquet1
1Service de chirurgie pédiatrique, American Memorial Hospital, 47, rue Cognacq-Jay, 51092 Reims cedex, France.
Insights
Diagnosing trichobezoars in children is challenging due to rarity and diagnostic difficulties. This case highlights delayed diagnosis of a pediatric intestinal obstruction caused by a trichobezoar, emphasizing surgical intervention and psychological support.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Surgical Case Reports
- Diagnostic Challenges
Background:
- Trichobezoars are rare in children, often presenting diagnostic challenges.
- Limited understanding of pediatric behavioral disorders impacts prevention and diagnosis.
- Clinical diagnosis of trichobezoars can be difficult, leading to delayed treatment.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old child presented with intestinal occlusion.
- Diagnosis was delayed, with the trichobezoar discovered during surgery.
- The trichobezoar was located 15cm from the ileocecal valve.
Findings:
- Surgical exploration confirmed the trichobezoar as the cause of obstruction.
- Management strategies vary, with CT and fibroscopy debated for diagnosis.
- Emergency surgery is crucial for bowel obstruction to prevent complications.
Implications:
- Prompt surgical intervention is vital for pediatric intestinal obstruction due to trichobezoars.
- Post-operative psychological therapy is recommended to prevent recurrence.
- Further research into early diagnosis and prevention of pediatric trichobezoars is warranted.
Abstract:
The diagnosis of trichobezoar can be difficult, due to its low prevalence in the pediatric population, limited knowledge of behavioral disorders in children and their prevention, and the difficulty of the clinical diagnosis. We report a case of intestinal occlusion in a 5-year-old child, whose diagnosis was delayed and the trichobezoar, revealed intraoperatively, confined 15cm from the ileocecal valve. Diverging management strategies are proposed in the literature concerning the indication of CT for diagnostic and prognostic purposes, and fibroscopy, still considered as the diagnostic reference. Surgical exploration can lead to the final diagnosis. Bowel obstruction requires emergency surgery to avoid intestinal complications and must be followed by psychological therapy to limit recurrence.
Related Concept Videos
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
Pyloric Obstruction
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Diverticular Disease of the Colon
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...

