Doctors Shocked as 17-Year-Old Girl's Stomach Yields Surprising Discovery in 90-Minute Surgery
PUDUCHERRY — In a shocking medical case, doctors in Puducherry successfully removed a 1.5 kg hairball from the stomach of a 17-year-old girl. The girl had been experiencing severe stomach pain, vomiting, and nausea, leading her to be admitted to the hospital. Upon investigation, doctors discovered that the cause of her discomfort was a large hairball that had accumulated in her stomach over the past year.
Hairball Formed Due to Trichobezoar
Dr. K. Shashikumar, from GEM Hospital, explained that the girl was suffering from a rare condition known as trichobezoar, where individuals swallow their hair. Over time, this results in a hairball forming in the stomach. The medical team performed a 90-minute surgery to successfully remove the 1.5 kg hairball, which measured 35 cm in length.
Severe Pain Leads to Diagnosis
The girl, a 12th-grade student, was rushed to the hospital after experiencing sudden, intense pain during school. After diagnostic tests, doctors identified the presence of the massive hairball in her stomach. The surgical procedure was successful, and the girl is now recovering, with her condition reported as stable.
Understanding Trichotillomania
The girl’s condition stemmed from trichotillomania, a psychological disorder in which individuals compulsively pull out their hair. In some cases, like this one, they also ingest the hair, leading to the formation of a hairball, or trichobezoar, in the stomach. This condition poses both physical and mental health risks and requires timely treatment.
In this case, the girl had been struggling with the condition for over a year, unknowingly ingesting hair that accumulated in her stomach. Following the surgery, doctors emphasized the need for continued care, including addressing the girl’s mental health to prevent a recurrence of the condition.
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Post-Surgery Care and Mental Health Focus
Doctors have stressed that the girl will require special care and attention to her mental health following the surgery. Trichotillomania is a complex condition that often requires psychological support to prevent future episodes of hair ingestion.
This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for such disorders, which can have significant physical consequences if left untreated. The girl is now under medical supervision and is expected to make a full recovery with proper care.