Subtotal gastrectomy for giant gastric trichobezoar

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Surgery
• Digestive Diseases
• Surgical Case Reports

Background:

• Trichobezoars are rare gastrointestinal masses composed of indigestible hair.
• Trichophagia, the compulsive consumption of hair, is a primary risk factor.
• Rapunzel Syndrome describes a specific type of trichobezoar extending into the small intestine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of a giant gastric trichobezoar.
• To highlight the management of a complex trichobezoar in a young adult.
• To emphasize the importance of considering trichophagia in patients with gastrointestinal masses.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 22-year-old patient.
• Review of patient's medical history, including adolescent trichophagia.
• Surgical intervention involving subtotal gastrectomy for bezoar removal.

Main Results:

• A giant gastric trichobezoar was identified as the cause of symptoms.
• The patient underwent successful subtotal gastrectomy.
• The trichobezoar was completely removed, leading to resolution.

Conclusions:

• Giant gastric trichobezoars, though rare, necessitate surgical intervention.
• A history of trichophagia is a critical diagnostic clue.
• Subtotal gastrectomy is an effective treatment for large gastric trichobezoars.