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Case Reports
. 2022 Nov 4:9:1020648.
doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1020648. eCollection 2022.

Endoscopic removal of a massive trichobezoar in a pediatric patient by using a variceal ligator cap: A case report and literature review

Dan Lu  1 , Björn Berglund  2 , Yi Xia  3 , Ajay Jain  4 , Qing Gu  1 , Feng Ji  3
Affiliations
Case Reports

Endoscopic removal of a massive trichobezoar in a pediatric patient by using a variceal ligator cap: A case report and literature review

Dan Lu et al. Front Med (Lausanne). .

Abstract

A trichobezoar is commonly formed in the gastrointestinal tract by ingestion of an individual's own hair. A trichobezoar formed by hair and artificial materials constitutes a rare etiology scarcely reported in the current literature. A mixture with hair-like synthetic fibers not only increases the risk for trichobezoar formation but also makes it more difficult for endoscopic removal. Herein, we report on a case in which a trichobezoar, caused by the consumption of human hair and synthetic yarn, was successfully removed endoscopically with a variceal ligator cap without further complications for the patient. This case report aims to raise awareness among endoscopists that using a variceal ligator cap may be a suitable option in the management of large trichobezoars containing synthetic fibers.

Keywords: case report; endoscopy; pediatric; removal; trichobezoar.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Images of the trichobezoar stuck in the stomach and attempts of endoscopic removal. (A) A trichobezoar was occupying the lumen of the stomach. (B) The trichobezoar contained synthetic yarn. (C) A variceal ligator cap was attached to provide more flexible maneuvering space for positioning the hairball in the cap. (D) Grasping forceps were applied to loosen the tightly intertwined forces. (E) Piecemeal removal of the hair strands and yarn by using grasping forceps. (F) Complete removal of the trichobezoar.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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