J Korean Assoc Pediatr Surg.
2010 Jun;16(1):43-48.
Laparoscopic Removal of a Gastric Trichobezoar in an 8-Year-Old Girl: a Case Report
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Pediatric, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Taegu, Korea.
- 2Department of Pediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Taegu, Korea. kpnugs@yahoo.co.kr
Abstract
- Gastric trichobezoars are commonly observed in young women with trichotillomania and trichophagia. We encountered an 8-year-old girl who had trichotillomania and trichophagia with abdominal pain and a mass, which was diagnosed as a large gastric trichobezoar. On physical examination, a huge, firm nontender mobile mass was palpated in her epigastrium. An upper gastrointestinal series and abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed a large mass in the stomach. Endoscopic removal was tried but failed. Laparoscopic removal was therefore performed. The trichobezoar was successfully retrieved through a gastrotomy and removed through an extended umbilical trocar incision. This case demonstrates that laparoscopic removal of large gastric trichobezoars is feasible and safe without a large abdominal incision.
