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Updated: Oct 9, 2025

A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction
Published on: March 5, 2018
Rapunzel Syndrome. A rare cause of intestinal obstruction
Dante A Saldivar-Vera1, Pedro A Alvarado-Bahena1, Enrique Chávez-Serna1
1Departamento de Cirugía General, Hospital General Regional 1 Querétaro, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social; División de Estudios de Posgrado, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro. Querétaro, México.
Background:
Rapunzel syndrome is the formation of a trichobezoar that extends beyond the small intestine. Since its discovery few cases have been reported in the literature with variable clinical characteristics, causing important complications such as intestinal obstruction. Laparotomy is currently considered the treatment of choice.
Case Report:
We present the clinical case of a patient who presented with recurrent peritonitis associated with a peritoneal dialysis catheter, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, without channeling or presenting evacuations, epigastric tumor, anxiety, trichotillomania and trichophagia. Rapunzel syndrome is diagnosed and admission to the operating room is decided.
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