1kg Hair Mass Removed from Girl’s Stomach in Kerala Hospital

A young girl in Kerala, India, has undergone a successful operation to remove a 1-kilogram mass of hair from her stomach and small intestine, doctors at a local hospital reported. The girl was admitted with persistent abdominal pain and vomiting, and scans revealed a severe intestinal obstruction. An endoscopy subsequently confirmed the presence of a large hair mass, a condition known as Rapunzel syndrome.

Rapunzel syndrome is a rare form of trichobezoar, a hairball that forms in the gastrointestinal tract, typically in young women who compulsively swallow their hair (trichophagia). The condition can lead to serious complications such as intestinal obstruction, perforation, and even death if left untreated. The girl’s surgery was performed after the diagnosis, and the hair mass was successfully removed. Hospital officials did not disclose the patient’s age or current condition, but such cases often require both surgical intervention and psychological support.

This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care for patients with trichobezoar. While rare, Rapunzel syndrome can be life-threatening, and awareness among healthcare providers and the public is crucial. The girl is reportedly recovering, and further details about her treatment and follow-up care are awaited. The incident adds to a handful of similar cases reported in India and worldwide, underscoring the need for prompt medical attention when symptoms of abdominal pain and vomiting persist.