Trichobezoars in Children on the Example of Clinical Cases

Abstract

The formation of trichobezoars is a rareclinical condition that develops primarily as a result ofmental illness. Literature data indicate that trichobezoarsare most often found in children. The presence of a bezoarcan lead to serious complications such as erosion of thestomach lining, peptic ulcer disease, and even perforation ofthe stomach or small intestine. Treatment options for gastrictrichobezoars range from endoscopic removal, dissolution,and mechanical hydrojet crushing of small bezoars tosurgical removal of giant bezoars. The presented clinicalcases prove the danger caused by trichobezoar. Cases ofthe formation of a trichobezoar with a clinic of intestinalobstruction in an adolescent girl, and a trichobezoar ofthe blind end of the esophagus and a clinic of respiratoryfailure in a small child with a congenital malformation ofthe esophagus are described. This pathology can occur atany age, have an atypical clinical picture and, in case ofuntimely treatment, lead to tragic consequences. In addition,it is necessary to use a multidisciplinary approach to themandatory provision of psychological (or psychiatric) carefor children, to teach parents to take care of a child who isprone to trihotilomaniа and trichophagia.