Ahmedabad, India – Doctors at Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, performed a highly complex surgery to remove a rare and life-threatening mass from the stomach and intestines of a seven-year-old boy from Madhya Pradesh.
The child, Shubham, hailing from Ratlam district, had been suffering from severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, and drastic weight loss for nearly two months. Despite undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Madhya Pradesh, his condition worsened, leading his family to seek advanced care in Ahmedabad.
Rare Diagnosis After Advanced Scans
On arrival, doctors at Civil Hospital conducted a CT scan and endoscopy, which revealed an unusual blockage in his stomach and intestines. The mass was later identified as a trichobezoar — a hard lump formed due to the ingestion of indigestible items.
Complex Surgery at Civil Hospital Ahmedabad
A specialized team of surgeons carried out an exploratory laparotomy and successfully removed a large bundle consisting of hair, grass, and even shoelaces. Following the operation, the young patient was kept under strict medical supervision. For six days, he was not allowed food or liquids. On the seventh day, a dye test confirmed that the digestive tract had healed properly, marking the surgery as a success.
Why Did the Trichobezoar Form?
Doctors explained that the boy’s unusual habit of swallowing non-food objects like hair and grass led to the formation of the mass. To prevent recurrence, the child is now receiving psychological counseling to help him overcome this condition.
What Is Trichobezoar?
Medical experts describe trichobezoar as an extremely rare medical condition, especially in children. It affects only 0.3% to 0.5% of cases worldwide and can become life-threatening if left untreated. The mass obstructs the stomach and intestines, causing severe complications.
Doctors Advise Parents to Stay Alert
Health specialists warn parents to watch for unusual eating behaviors in children. Early medical intervention not only ensures timely treatment but also prevents complications that may require complex gastrointestinal surgery.
