Laparoscopic removal of a large gastric trichobezoar in a 4-year-old girl.
BACKGROUND
Standard treatment of large gastric bezoars not amenable to medical or endoscopic management is surgical removal. The optimal operative approach, laparotomy versus laparoscopy, is a contested subject. Though laparoscopic removal has been described, it remains a relatively new technique for surgical management with outcome literature limited to case reports. In addition, currently described laparoscopic techniques often involve limited midline laparotomy incisions or >3 cm extensions of port sites.


METHODS
The following describes the case of a 4-year-old girl with a large gastric trichobezoar.


RESULTS
The gastric trichobezoar was successfully removed through a 12-mm left lower quadrant trocar incision cosmetically hidden within a skin crease.


CONCLUSIONS
This case, along with accumulating literature, supports the use of laparoscopy to treat large gastric bezoars.
Cintolo
Jessica
J
The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Telem
Dana A
DA
Divino
Celia M
CM
Chin
Edward H
EH
Midulla
Peter
P
D001630:Bezoars / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D013270:Stomach / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed