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A girl from Nepal suffering from a rare condition called Rapunzel Syndrome underwent surgery where the doctors discovered a mass of hair with a tail-like appendage lodged in her stomach
Rapunzel Syndrome is a condition where individuals, often children, engage in trichophagia, the consumption of their own hair. (News18 Hindi)
Children often experience minor health issues that usually resolve with medication or time. However, this particular case, as reported by the Mirror, proved to be extraordinary.
A young girl from Nepal, whose identity remains undisclosed, was suffering symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, and a persistent feeling of fullness and discomfort in her stomach. Along with these issues, her parents noticed she had been losing hair at an alarming rate, further raising concerns.
Seeking medical attention, she was admitted to the Institute of Medicine at Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu. During surgery, doctors were shocked to discover a substantial hairball lodged in the girl’s stomach, complete with a tail-like appendage. The family then recalled instances of the child ingesting her own hair.
This unusual case aligns with a condition known as Rapunzel Syndrome, named after the fairytale character renowned for her extraordinarily long hair. This syndrome describes a condition where individuals, often children, engage in trichophagia, or the consumption of their own hair.
Over time, the ingested hair amasses into a substantial mass within the stomach, mimicking the appearance of a tail. Symptoms manifest as appetite loss, vomiting, and ultimately necessitate surgical removal of the hairball.
This case mirrors a similar incident in the United Kingdom, highlighting the perplexing nature of this condition.
What is the Rapunzel Syndrome?
It is a rare medical condition where a person develops a long, tangled mass of hair inside their gastrointestinal tract, typically in the stomach or small intestine. The name is derived from the fairytale character Rapunzel, known for her extremely long hair that was famously let down from a tower. This term is used in this condition as the ingested hair behaves in a similar manner in the body.
Symptoms
Rapunzel Syndrome is usually associated with trichophagia, that is, the compulsion to eat hair. Over time, the ingested hair can accumulate and form a mass, causing symptoms like loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and even unexplained weight loss.
Diagnosis
In severe cases, bowel obstruction may occur, and the mass of hair may cause intestinal perforation or raptured bowel, which is a medical emergency. As it is a rare condition, it can be challenging to diagnose it. X Rays, CT scans or Endoscopy can be used to reveal abnormal masses in the digestive tract or to detect the mass of hair inside the stomach or intestines.
Treatment
Surgical intervention is often recommended to remove the hair mass inside the stomach or intestines. Surgery also address any other complications that may arise like bowel obstruction or perforation.
After the surgery, paying attention to the emotional aspect of the disorder is also essential like treating the patient’s underlying psychological disorder that may have led to the issue whether it be anxiety, trichotillomania or trichophagia. If the emotion conditions are not addressed, the risk of recurrence persists and can lead to severe complications or even life-threatening conditions.
