Abstract

Trichobezoar usually occurs in patients who have trichotillomania combined with trichophagia. Bezoars can result in serious complications including gastric ulceration, bleeding, perforation and small bowel obstruction when undiagnosed. The three main venues of bezoar removal (chemical dissolution, endoscopic removal and surgical removal) are chosen mainly by the size and composition of the bezoar. Trichobezoars generally require endoscopic or surgical removal. An 8-year-old girl visited our emergency room with recurrent epigastric pain and vomiting. Gastroduodenoscopy showed a 2×10 cm trichobezoar causing pyloric obstruction. During endoscopic removal of trichobezoar, esophageal impaction occurred. The trichobezoar was pushed into the stomach and was removed through surgical gastrostomy under general anesthesia. We report this case as an instructive reference for the proper treatment of trichobezoar in children. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2009;39:222-225)

• Keywords: Trichobezoar, Endoscopic removal, Esophageal impaction;