title: Unusual cause of gastric outlet obstruction: giant gastric trichobezoar: a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Trichobezoars are caused by hair ingestion. The usual presentation of a trichobezoar is with early satiety and malnutrition. Obstructive symptoms and manifestations of gastric outlet obstruction may occur. The diagnosis may be suspected in young females with malnutrition, who have a history of trichophagia.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report a case of 12-year-old female admitted to the emergency room for abdominal pain. On physical examination, she was cachectic and an epigastric mass was palpated. An exploratory laparotomy was conducted. A giant trichobezoar was palpated in the stomach and was removed through an anterior gastrostomy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There were no complications postoperatively and the patient was referred to a psychiatrist.
authors.affiliation: Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery, Antakya/Hatay, Turkey. veliorhan@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Ibrahim
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Yetim
authors.forename: Orhan Veli
authors.initials: OV
authors.lastname: Ozkan
authors.forename: Ersan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Semerci
authors.forename: Recep
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Abanoz