Treatment of Children Trichobezoar a Retrospective Study of 11 Cases

Klin Padiatr. 2022 Jul;234(4):215-220. doi: 10.1055/a-1689-0062. Epub 2022 Mar 31.

Abstract

Purpose: The goal of this study to summarize the clinical features, treatment and prognosis of children trichobezoar, and to guide the clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Methods: The clinical manifestations, auxiliary examination results, diagnosis and treatment process and family relationship of 11 cases of children with trichobezoar in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: 11 cases were female, 4 cases were divorced single parent family, and 2 case was left behind child. Six patients were admitted to hospital with sudden exacerbation of chronic abdominal pain, and four of them had recurrent vomiting. Five patients were admitted to hospital with acute abdominal pain, and 3 of them had vomiting symptoms; The weight of 1 case was lower than -2 SD, 4 cases were between -2 SD ~ -1 SD. 6 cases had palpable left upper abdominal mass with mild tenderness, 1 case only had left upper abdominal tenderness, 4 cases had no positive abdominal signs; The results of color Doppler ultrasonography in 8 children indicated the strong echo mass in the stomach, and 3 of them showed that the hyperechoic group extended to duodenum through pylorus. 7 cases had a tail end extending into the small intestine after removing the gastrolith during the operation. Four cases were found with jejunal perforation, 2 cases were treated with intestinal resection and anastomosis, and 2 cases were treated with intestinal repair. All the children were improved and discharged after operation.

Conclusion: For single parent families or left behind children with a history of chronic abdominal pain, vomiting and trichophilia, gastric hair stones should be highly suspected. For large hair stones in the stomach, they should be removed surgically. During the operation, the small intestine should be explored routinely to prevent the missed diagnosis of small intestinal perforation. Psychological guidance should be given to the children and their parents to prevent recurrence.

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology
  • Bezoars* / diagnostic imaging
  • Bezoars* / surgery
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Stomach / surgery
  • Vomiting / etiology