Rapunzel Syndrome – A Case Report: Trichobezoar as a Cause of Gastric Outlet Obstruction and Intestinal Perforation

Rapunzel syndrome is described as a rare manifestation of gastric trichobezoar extending throughout the bowel and is associated with psychiatric disorders. Its incidence in Pakistan is very rare and is found characteristically in adolescent females. Large or complicated trichobezoars are best managed by surgery. Psychiatric follow-up is essential to diminish the frequency of recurrence. We report an unusual case of Rapunzel syndrome causing gastric outlet obstruction and intestinal perforation.

Laparoscopic–Endoscopic “Rendezvous” Procedure in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Surgery—Case Series

Laparoscopic–endoscopic “rendezvous” procedures were introduced in surgery for common bile duct stone treatment but are now widely used in other fields of abdominal surgery. An endoscopist navigates a surgeon during the same operative procedure and, thus, enables a better visualization of the location, resection margins, bleeding control, less thermal damage, etc. Here, we present case series of 11 patients that were treated using a “rendezvous” procedure for gastrointestinal lesions on different parts of the gastrointestinal tract such as juvenile polyps on the colon (transversum, ascendens, cecum, sigma), leiomyomatosis of the stomach, Peutz–Jeghers intestinal polyposis, hyperplastic gastric polyp, ectopic pancreatic tissue in the stomach, gastric trichobezoar, and gastric schwannoma. “Rendezvous” procedures are suitable for intestinal lesions that could not be resected endoscopically due to their size, morphology and/or location. In our experience this procedure should be used for endoscopically unresectable lesions as it decreases the time of surgery, possibility of iatrogenic injury, bleeding and technical inability. Furthermore, this procedure has been shown to better navigate the surgeon during laparoscopic surgery, especially in treating polyps in particularly difficult locations such as the duodenum or cecum, and it decreases conversion rates. However, conversion is sometimes necessary, in order to assure all oncological principals are respected, and the best option in some cases.

Rapunzel Syndrome—An Extremely Rare Cause of Digestive Symptoms in Children: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature

Rapunzel syndrome is an extremely rare condition seen in adolescents or young females with psychiatric disorders consisting of a gastric trichobezoar with an extension within the small bowel. The delays in diagnosis are common since in its early stages, it is usually asymptomatic. We report the case of a 13-year-old girl admitted in our clinic for abdominal pain, anorexia, and weight loss. The clinical exam pointed out diffuse alopecia, a palpable mass in the epigastric area, and abdominal tenderness at palpation, the patient weighing 32 kg. The laboratory tests showed anemia. The abdominal ultrasound showed a gastric intraluminal mass with a superior hyperechoic arc. The upper digestive endoscopy revealed a mass formed by hair, mucus, and food occupying the gastric cavity with the extension into the duodenum confirming the diagnosis of Rapunzel syndrome. The giant trichobezoar of 511 g, measuring 17 × 7 × 6.5 cm with a tail of approximately 3 cm, was successfully removed through laparotomy. Although rare, Rapunzel syndrome must never be forgotten as a differential diagnosis for digestive symptoms since its early detection hinders the occurrence of further complications.

Trichobezoar in young Nepalese girl with Rapunzel syndrome: A case report

Trichobezoar is a gastric foreign body that is composed of the patient’s own hair in the stomach. Rapunzel syndrome is an unusual form of trichobezoar in stomach,which extends into any part of the small intestine.We are reporting the case of gastric trichobezoar with thin tail extending into the duodenum in a twenty year oldgirl. She had a history of trichophagia. She presented with epigastric pain and vomiting. Endoscopic removal was attempted but this was unsuccessful. Subsequently the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy and gastrotomy.She recovered well and was discharged with advice for psychiatric consultation. Bangladesh J Medicine January 2021; 32(1) : 69-72