Doctors In Mumbai Successfully Remove 50-cm Hairball From 10 Year Old Girl’s Stomach

Trichophagia is more prevalent among women than men, particularly noted in adolescent girls and women under 30. The child from Vasai developed a complication known as Rapunzel syndrome, where the hairball grows so large that it extends from the stomach into the small intestine, resembling long braids like the fairy-tale character Rapunzel, famous for her lengthy hair.

Before and after the surgery, the child received psychological assessment and counseling. Her mother expressed her surprise upon learning about the rare Rapunzel syndrome affecting her daughter, stating, “I was taken aback after knowing about the rare Rapunzel syndrome in my child. Fortunately, my child has recovered well and is ready to go to school with enthusiasm.”

Dr. Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO of Wadia Hospital, commented, “Rather than viewing this behaviour as merely a psychological disorder, we provided holistic care to ensure the child recovers fast.”