title: Rapunzel syndrome and gastric perforation.
abstract: Rapunzel syndrome complicated with gastric perforation is a very rare presentation of trichobezoar. Trichobezoar is an uncommon condition affecting predominantly females. It has non-specific clinical presentation, a wide range of complications, and, if not treated appropriately, carries significant mortality. Traditional treatment of trichobezoar is surgical, though, attempts have been made to excise endoscopically, dissolve chemically or fragment using extracorporeal shock waves. We report a case of a very large trichobezoar occupying most of the stomach and duodenum complicated with gastric perforation, and summarise the literature regarding trichobezoar aetiology, diagnostic difficulties, and management.
authors.affiliation: Ayr Hospital, Ayr, UK. rtayyem@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Raed
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tayyem
authors.forename: Imran
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ilyas
authors.forename: Iain
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Pickford
mesh_terms: D001630:Bezoars / Q000150:complications*; D004378:Duodenal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000209:etiology*; D013270:Stomach / Q000293:injuries*; D013577:Syndrome; D055815:Young Adult