title: A Hairy Tail not a Fairy Tale - Rapunzel Syndrome.
abstract: Rapunzel syndrome is an unusual and rare type of trichobezoar. Bezoars can be classified according to the primary constituent, as trichobezoar (hair), phytobezoar (plant material) or miscellaneous (pharmacobezoar, lactobezoar, fungal agglomeration and foreign bodies). When a long tail of hair strands extends from the main mass in the stomach along the small intestine and beyond it is known as Rapunzel syndrome. Here we are reporting a case of Rapunzel syndrome with a very long tail who was managed successfully. And reviewing the literature on the pathophysiology and management of these patients. These patients commonly present with obstructive symptoms and needs a high index of suspicion especially, in young female patients who have alopecia circumscripta and underlying psychiatric disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment is required to prevent complications due to this condition. Currently surgical management of this condition is the treatment of choice.
authors.affiliation: Christian Medical College and Hospital Vellore, Ida Scudder Road, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632 004 India ; Department of Upper GI surgery, Department of surgery, Christian Medical College Vellore, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004 India.
authors.forename: Sam Varghese
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: George
authors.affiliation: Christian Medical College and Hospital Vellore, Ida Scudder Road, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632 004 India ; Department of Upper GI surgery, Department of surgery, Christian Medical College Vellore, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004 India.
authors.forename: Inian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Samarasam
authors.affiliation: Christian Medical College and Hospital Vellore, Ida Scudder Road, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632 004 India ; Department of Upper GI surgery, Department of surgery, Christian Medical College Vellore, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004 India.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mathew
authors.affiliation: Christian Medical College and Hospital Vellore, Ida Scudder Road, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632 004 India ; Department of Upper GI surgery, Department of surgery, Christian Medical College Vellore, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004 India.
authors.forename: Sudhakar
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chandran
keywords: Bezoars/complications; Bezoars/diagnosis; Bezoars/psychology; Bezoars/surgery; Female; Laparotomy