Mumbai: 10-Year-Old Girl Undergoes Surgery to Remove 50 cm Hairball in Rare 'Rapunzel Syndrome' Case

Mumbai: 10-Year-Old Girl Undergoes Surgery to Remove 50 cm Hairball in Rare 'Rapunzel Syndrome' Case

Updated: Wednesday, August 21, 2024, 03:53 PM IST

In a rare and complex medical case, doctors in Mumbai successfully removed a 50 cm long hairball from the stomach of a 10-year-old girl suffering from Rapunzel syndrome. The young patient, a resident of Vasai, had developed a compulsive habit of eating her hair, leading to the formation of a massive hairball that extended into her small intestine.

The girl had been experiencing severe abdominal pain, discomfort, and vomiting for about 15 to 20 days. Despite consultations with local doctors, the cause of her symptoms remained undiagnosed. Over time, her condition worsened, leading to constipation, severe malnourishment, significant weight loss, and acute abdominal pain. A firm mass was palpable in her abdomen.

An ultrasound finally revealed the presence of a large hairball, leading to a diagnosis of trichophagia, a condition where individuals compulsively eat their own hair. This behavior is linked to trichotillomania, a disorder characterized by the compulsive pulling out of one's hair. In this case, the ingestion of hair resulted in Rapunzel syndrome, where a large hairball, or trichobezoar, forms in the stomach and extends into the small intestine, resembling a braid.

Following psychological assessment and counseling, the pediatric surgery team at Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Parel, performed a successful gastronomy procedure to remove the 50 cm hairball.

Understanding Rapunzel Syndrome

Rapunzel syndrome predominantly affects young women and is closely associated with psychiatric disorders. It is much more common in females than males, with about 8 out of 10 cases occurring in children, adolescent girls, and young women under the age of 30. Medical professionals advise parents to be vigilant for such disorders in their children.

Mother's Statement

The girl's mother expressed her relief and gratitude after the successful surgery. "I was taken aback after learning about the rare Rapunzel syndrome in my child. In those harrowing moments, the remarkable team of doctors turned panic into hope, addressing the medical crisis and offering emotional support. I am relieved as the hair mass is gone now. Fortunately, my child has recovered well and is ready to go to school with enthusiasm and cheerfulness," she said.

Statement From Dr. Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO, Wadia Hospitals

Dr. Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO of Wadia Hospitals, praised the medical team's comprehensive approach to treatment. "In this perplexing case, our team approached her treatment with an impressively tailored strategy. Rather than viewing this behavior as merely a psychological disorder, Wadia has set a precedent for holistic care in pediatric cases. This comprehensive approach not only enhances the emotional well-being of children but also sets new standards for effective intervention practices in pediatric healthcare," she said.

The successful removal of the hairball and the girl's recovery serves as a testament to the importance of early diagnosis and holistic treatment in complex pediatric cases like Rapunzel syndrome.