Surgeons extract 2kg of hair from UP woman’s stomach after 16 years of secret eating
PTC News Desk: Doctors in Bareilly have made headlines after successfully extracting 2 kilograms of human hair from the stomach of a 21-year-old woman diagnosed with a rare psychological condition known as Rapunzel Syndrome. The young woman, who hails from Kargaina, had been secretly consuming her own hair for 16 years, a behavior medically classified as trichophagia.
The alarming situation unfolded when the woman began experiencing severe health issues, including an inability to eat solid foods and persistent vomiting of liquids. A CT scan conducted on September 20 revealed that her stomach cavity was filled with hair, necessitating urgent medical intervention.
Understanding Trichophagia and Rapunzel Syndrome
Dr. MP Singh, the lead surgeon on the case, explained that trichophagia is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterised by the compulsive ingestion of hair. It is often associated with trichotillomania, a condition where individuals compulsively pull out their own hair. According to Dr. Singh, the patient had been engaging in this harmful behavior since the age of five.
During the surgical procedure on September 26, the doctors successfully removed the mass of hair, medically known as a trichobezoar, which had not only filled her stomach but also extended into her intestines. Dr. Singh noted, “Rapunzel syndrome is an unusual type of trichobezoar seen in individuals with psychiatric disorders such as trichotillomania and trichophagia. The principal symptoms typically include vomiting and severe abdominal pain.”
Health Risks and Treatment
A trichobezoar can lead to serious health complications, including intestinal obstruction, which can necessitate emergency surgery. Dr. Singh elaborated on the nature of trichobezoars, stating, “While they can be benign, they pose significant health risks that require prompt surgical attention.”
The woman’s family had long recognised her hair-pulling tendencies, but the gravity of her situation only became apparent when she experienced acute abdominal pain, leading to the critical diagnosis via CT scan. She is now receiving counseling at the hospital to address her underlying psychiatric condition.
Dr. Alka Sharma, the hospital in-charge, highlighted the uniqueness of the case, revealing that it was the first surgery of its kind performed at the facility in over 20 years.
Path to Recovery
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely regarded as the most effective treatment for trichotillomania. Following the successful surgery, the young woman is currently in recovery and receiving psychological care to help her overcome her eating disorder and associated mental health issues.