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

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.

Trichobezoar effectively treated with direct endoscopic injection of Coca‐Cola: A case report

“…Hair and food residues were entangled with the hair, resulting in reduced electrical conductivity. Since the report by Gorter et al and Lu et al, there have been reports of endoscopic removal of trichobezoars 2,3 . However, all of these were smaller in size than that in the present case, 2,3 suggesting that they were easier to grasp with snare and forceps 5,6 .…”

“…However, all of these were smaller in size than that in the present case, 2,3 suggesting that they were easier to grasp with snare and forceps 5,6 . Lu et al indicated that successful endoscopic removal could depend on the size and morphology of bezoars 3 . The removal of large trichobezoars appears to be difficult with an endoscopic procedure only.…”

“…2 According to recent reports, there has been an increasing prevalence of endoscopic removal of trichobezoars, with an estimated rate of approximately 17%. 3 This can be attributed to advancements in endoscopic techniques and devices. Wang et al reported that trichobezoars could be removed using a radiofrequency snare.…”

“…Gorter et al summarized the treatment of 108 trichobezoars in 2010 and reported a 5% success rate for endoscopic removal 2 . According to recent reports, there has been an increasing prevalence of endoscopic removal of trichobezoars, with an estimated rate of approximately 17% 3 . This can be attributed to advancements in endoscopic techniques and devices.…”

Trichobezoar: A Rare Cause of Protein-losing Enteropathy

“…Retrieval may need multiple endoscopic passes and a prolonged procedure time of up to 5 hrs. We have summarized case reports (Table 2) that have described the successful removal of trichobezoar endoscopically (14–23). These case reports are, however, outnumbered by cases reported where endoscopic removal was unsuccessful.…”