Doctors at Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, have successfully carried out a rare surgery to remove a large bundle of hair, grass and shoelaces from the stomach and intestines of a 7-year-old boy from Madhya Pradesh.
The boy, a resident of Ratlam district, had been struggling with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and rapid weight loss for two months. Despite receiving treatment at a private hospital in Madhya Pradesh, his condition did not improve, prompting his family to shift him to Ahmedabad.
Doctors at Civil Hospital performed a CT scan and endoscopy, which revealed an unusual mass lodged in his stomach and intestines.
Complex surgery at Civil Hospital Ahmedabad
A team of specialists conducted an exploratory laparotomy, during which they removed the large bundle — medically known as a trichobezoar.
Following the operation, the child, identified as Shubham, was not allowed to eat or drink for six days. On the seventh day, a dye test confirmed that the surgery had been successful.
Doctors explained that the mass had formed due to the child’s habit of swallowing non-food items such as hair and grass. A psychologist has since been guiding him to overcome this habit to prevent recurrence.
What Is Trichobezoar?
According to a doctor at Civil Hospital, trichobezoar is extremely rare in children, with a reported rate of only 0.3 to 0.5 percent. The condition can be life-threatening if not diagnosed in time, as the mass obstructs the stomach and intestines.
Medical experts stress that parents should monitor their children closely for unusual eating habits, as early intervention can prevent severe complications.
