Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 21, 2025
08:49
Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis
Published on: October 29, 2014
16.6K
Colonic Trichobezoar Causing Acute Large Bowel Obstruction
Michelle R McCullers1, Alexandros Coutsoumpos1, Jeffrey C Chiu1
1440172AdventHealth Orlando, Orlando, FL, USA.
The American Surgeon
|May 27, 2022
Summary
A rare case of a large bowel obstruction caused by a trichobezoar (hair mass) was reported in an 81-year-old male. Surgical removal was successful, highlighting this unusual cause of intestinal blockage.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Trichobezoars are indigestible hair masses in the gastrointestinal tract, often linked to trichotillomania and trichophagia.
- While commonly found in the stomach and small intestine, large bowel obstruction is rare.
Observation:
- An 81-year-old male presented with a month of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
- CT revealed a mechanical obstruction in the splenic flexure with pneumatosis, indicating a complete large and small bowel obstruction.
- Exploratory laparotomy identified and removed an obstructive intraluminal mass in the transverse colon, followed by a colostomy.
Findings:
- Pathology confirmed the mass to be composed of hair and fecal material, diagnosing a colonic obstruction due to trichobezoar.
- The case highlights a rare presentation of trichobezoar causing significant bowel obstruction.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare etiologies like trichobezoars in the differential diagnosis of bowel obstruction, even in the large intestine.
- Prompt surgical intervention is crucial for managing complete intestinal obstruction caused by such masses.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
227
Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
227
01:25Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
439
Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
439
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
547
Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
547
01:17Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents
342
Diarrhea, a condition marked by frequent loose or watery bowel movements, can be triggered by multiple factors such as viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances, anxiety, medications, and digestive disorders. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and cramping. Severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to complications like electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, and dehydration if left untreated.
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
342
01:20Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives
506
Laxatives are primarily used to alleviate constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. They work by various mechanisms to increase the volume or frequency of bowel movements. The primary modes of action of laxatives include increasing stool bulk, softening the stool, stimulating intestinal motility, and osmotically drawing water into the intestines.
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
506
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
409
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
409