Trichobezoar as a cause of pediatric acute small bowel obstruction

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Surgical Case Reports

Background:

• Trichobezoars are rare gastric foreign bodies, typically associated with psychiatric conditions or developmental delays.
• Diagnosis in young children is often delayed due to the rarity and nonspecific nature of symptoms.

Observation:

• A pediatric case presenting with acute abdominal pain, a palpable abdominal mass, and clinical signs of small bowel obstruction.
• Imaging and intraoperative findings confirmed a large trichobezoar obstructing the small intestine.

Findings:

• The case highlights trichobezoar as a critical differential diagnosis in pediatric patients with obstructive symptoms.
• Successful surgical management was achieved with complete resolution of symptoms.

Implications:

• Emphasizes the need for increased clinical awareness of trichobezoar in pediatric presentations of abdominal emergencies.
• Suggests considering trichobezoar in the differential diagnosis for children with unexplained abdominal pain and obstruction.