AIM: Trichotillomania is a lack of control of one's hair pulling. It is estimated that about 1% of population develops trichotillomania. In up to 20% of patients with trichotillomania swollowing follows hair pulling. Trichobezoar forms in about 30% of patients with trichofagia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2008-2014 3 patients were operated on trichobezoar. One patient has had a history of trichotillomania. On admission abdominal X-ray and ultrasonography revealed abdominal mass. Diagnosis was confirmed in abdominal computed tomography. RESULTS: All three trichobezoars were evacuated from the intestinal tract during laparotomy with wide gastric wall opening. In one case - Rapunzel syndrome - hair mass was evacuated also from the duodenum and small bowel. All patients were referred to psychiatrist after finishing of the surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In patients operated for trichobezoar as well as other patients with trichotillomania control of hair accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract remains a problem. Authors propose endoscopic follow up scheme in 6, 12, and 24 months after the surgery as well as for other patients with trichotillomania.
AIM: Trichotillomania is a lack of control of one's hair pulling. It is estimated that about 1% of population develops trichotillomania. In up to 20% of patients with trichotillomania swollowing follows hair pulling. Trichobezoar forms in about 30% of patients with trichofagia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2008-2014 3 patients were operated on trichobezoar. One patient has had a history of trichotillomania. On admission abdominal X-ray and ultrasonography revealed abdominal mass. Diagnosis was confirmed in abdominal computed tomography. RESULTS: All three trichobezoars were evacuated from the intestinal tract during laparotomy with wide gastric wall opening. In one case - Rapunzel syndrome - hair mass was evacuated also from the duodenum and small bowel. All patients were referred to psychiatrist after finishing of the surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In patients operated for trichobezoar as well as other patients with trichotillomania control of hair accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract remains a problem. Authors propose endoscopic follow up scheme in 6, 12, and 24 months after the surgery as well as for other patients with trichotillomania.