Trichobezoar-Induced Small Bowel Obstruction in a Pediatric Patient: A Report of a Rare Case

Abstract

We report a rare case of a four-year-old boy with small bowel obstruction caused by a trichobezoar. The initial diagnosis in the emergency department was acute gastroenteritis. The lack of improvement and the onset of bilious vomiting associated with abdominal distention raised the suspicion of bowel obstruction. Abdominal X-ray showed dilated loops of bowel, and a CT scan of the abdomen revealed a partially peripherally calcified mass containing debris as a cause of proximal small bowel obstruction. At exploratory laparotomy, a trichobezoar was visualized and removed, relieving the obstruction. The contents confirmed to be agglutination of ingested materials that are insoluble and consistent with hair. Trichobezoar, also known as a "hairball," is described predominantly among females, often with a psychiatric history. We report a rare case of small bowel obstruction due to trichobezoar in a male toddler with no behavioral or psychiatric illnesses.

Keywords: abdominal ct scan; abdominal mass; exploratory laparotomy; small bowel obstruction; trichobezoar.