Abstract
Background:
Trichobezoar is a ball of swallowed hair that collects in the stomach and fails to pass through the intestines. The risk is greatest among mentally retarded or emotionally disturbed children.
Case
: A 16-year-old mentally subnormal girl presented with secondary amenorrhea of 2 years' duration. She also had a history of a lump and pain in the abdomen. Abdominal examination revealed a firm, nontender mobile mass occupying the epigastrium and extending to right hypochondrium and lumbar region. Endoscopy confirmed a trichobezoar in the stomach.
Results:
The trichobezoar was removed in multiple sittings using an endoscope.
Conclusions:
Counseling by a psychiatrist has an important role in prevention of recurrence. Trichobezoar should be considered a differential diagnosis in any young girl who presents with epigastric pain, vomiting, and abdominal mass. (J GYNECOL SURG 29:210)