The Rapunzel syndrome: a hard-to-swallow tale

J Gastrointest Surg. 2011 Aug;15(8):1486-7. doi: 10.1007/s11605-011-1494-x. Epub 2011 Apr 12.

Abstract

Introduction: Rapunzel syndrome is a rare entity comprising of a large gastroduodenal trichobezoar due to trichotillomania. Its treatment is often surgical.

Case report: A 27-year-old patient was investigated after an upper gastro-intestinal tract obstruction. Computed tomography and endoscopy showed a large gastric trichobezoar with a duodenojejunal tail. Conservative treatments failed to remove the bezoar. We performed a short laparotomy which allowed the removal of the bezoar through a longitudinal gastrotomy. Postoperative course was uneventful.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bezoars / complications*
  • Bezoars / diagnostic imaging
  • Bezoars / surgery
  • Duodenum / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Obstruction / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology*
  • Intestinal Obstruction / surgery
  • Jejunum / diagnostic imaging*
  • Radiography
  • Stomach / diagnostic imaging*
  • Trichotillomania / complications