Paediatric gastric trichobezoar: the Rapunzel syndrome

Abstract

Rapunzel syndrome is a rare case of bowel obstruction resulting from hair ingestion (Trichobezoar). The obstruction can
occur in any level of intestinal tract, but usually the stomach is primary involved. This syndrome is usually reported in
patients affected by Trichotillomania or Pica syndrome, an obsessive-compulsive disorder that are characterized by an
irresistible need to eat body hairs or non-digestible substances 1
. When bowel obstruction occurs, it may be treated conservatively, but sometimes surgery is required. We reported two cases of Rapunzel Syndrome in two pediatric patients
with different clinical presentation. Both patients were initially treated conservatively but eventually they underwent
surgery