Trichobezoar

Trichobezoar is a collection of hair and undigestible matter found in the stomach or small intestine. Patients are often asymptomatic for years before the condition is diagnosed, either through incidental imaging or an acute complication. Common symptoms are abdominal pain and vomiting, with serious complications, including intestinal obstruction, ulceration, peritonitis, and visceral perforation. Surgery is the key treatment modality, with laparoscopic techniques becoming the preferred method. Radiograph and US are helpful for diagnosis, but CT is the most useful imaging test. Psychiatric management is critical in these patients to prevent recurrence.