title: Management of trichobezoar: case report and literature review.
abstract: Trichobezoars (hair ball) are usually located in the stomach, but may extend through the pylorus into the duodenum and small bowel (Rapunzel syndrome). They are almost always associated with trichotillomania and trichophagia or other psychiatric disorders. In the literature several treatment options are proposed, including removal by conventional laparotomy, laparoscopy and endoscopy. We present our experience with four patients and provide a review of the recent literature. According to our experience and in line with the published results, conventional laparotomy is still the treatment of choice. In addition, psychiatric consultation is necessary to prevent relapses.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Surgical Center of Amsterdam, Emma Children's Hospital AMC and VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 22660, 1100 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Gorter
authors.forename: C M F
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Kneepkens
authors.forename: E C J L
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Mattens
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Aronson
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Heij
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001630:Bezoars / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005773:Gastroscopy; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007813:Laparotomy