In an unusual medical instance, doctors in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, performed life-saving surgery on a 21-year-old lady who had been unknowingly consuming her own hair for 16 years. Rapunzel Syndrome is a rare illness that caused a gigantic 2kg hairball to grow in her stomach, posing a serious health risk.

The woman, who had been suffering from severe stomach pain for the preceding five years, sought medical assistance after seeing several private doctors and not receiving a diagnosis. When she was sent to the district hospital on September 20, a CT scan revealed a large clump of hair in her stomach that had grown into her intestines. Her condition precluded her from consuming solid foods, and even liquids made her puke.

The underlying cause, according to medical authorities, is trichophagia (a psychological disease in which people obsessively chew on their own hair). This problem is frequently associated with trichotillomania, a condition characterized by a persistent desire to pull one's hair. Despite the severity of the condition, the hairball developed gradually and eventually weighed about 2 kg. However, the consequences of such activity can be serious, harming both mental and physical health. As a result, knowing these disorders is critical for successful treatment.

2kg Hairball
Image Source: Radiopaedia

On September 22, a team of doctors led by veteran surgeon Dr. M.P. Singh, including Dr. Anjali Soni, Dr. Mugdha Sharma, and staff nurse Bhavna, successfully removed the hairball. Psychiatrists Dr. Ashish Kumar and Dr. Pragya Maheshwari are currently working with the woman to treat her underlying psychological condition and help her quit eating hair.

The woman's family was stunned by the finding since they had no idea she had been secretly consuming her own hair for so long. The procedure provided instant relief to the patient, who will now undergo several months of treatment to prevent the behaviour from reoccurring.

Trichophagia is a rare and chronic psychological illness that, if not addressed, can result in major health issues. Dr. M.P. Singh stressed the necessity of early detection and psychological help for persons showing these behaviours, stating that while such cases are uncommon, they underscore the need for increased awareness regarding psychological problems affecting physical health.

This successful surgery adds to the growing body of medical cases where timely intervention has saved lives. The medical team’s quick diagnosis and careful surgical procedure have ensured that the patient is now on the road to recovery.

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