Removing a large hair bun caused intestinal obstruction in a 4-year-old girl with 'Tangled' syndrome in Can Tho

A 4-year-old patient in Can Tho suffered from intestinal obstruction, suspected to be caused by "Tangled" syndrome (seen in people who like to pull out and eat their own hair). Fortunately, doctors were able to remove the hairball in time.

TTPN is still being monitored and treated by doctors after the hairball was removed from the intestine - Photo: Provided by the hospital

On September 23, Dr. Chung Tan Dinh - Director of Soc Trang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital - said that the hospital had just received a TTPN patient (4 years old, residing in Phu Loi ward, Can Tho city) in a state of physical exhaustion, poor appetite, abdominal pain, and frequent vomiting.

Previously, the family gave the child medicine but it did not improve, so they took the child to the hospital for examination and treatment. The child had a history of intussusception.

Through clinical examination, ultrasound, and abdominal X-ray, the doctors diagnosed the baby with intestinal obstruction due to intussusception, so they performed laparoscopic surgery to remove the intussusception. After the endoscopy, the doctor discovered a 12cm long intestine filled with hair and food debris, causing intestinal obstruction.

The doctors treated the patient by opening the abdomen, removing the intestines to remove the foreign object, then suturing the intestines and draining the abdomen. After the surgery, the child was awake, but due to his exhausted condition, he needed to continue to be monitored, cared for and nourished at the hospital.

According to doctors, the child showed signs of Rapunzel syndrome, a rare disorder that causes sufferers to pluck and eat their own or other people's hair. Swallowed hair is not digested, accumulates in the stomach or intestines, and over time forms a large ball causing obstruction.

Regarding this case, Dr. Quach Tong Lai - in charge of the pediatric surgery department of Soc Trang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital - also said that the hospital had recently received and treated children with similar symptoms.

This warns parents and caregivers to pay attention to unusual behaviors in children such as sucking or swallowing non-food objects, pulling hair out and swallowing it; thinning hair, unexplained abdominal pain, malnutrition, etc.

If there are any unusual symptoms, take your child to a medical facility for timely treatment and psychological counseling and treatment to ensure comprehensive physical and mental development.

KHAC TAM - CHI QUOC

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/lay-bui-toc-lon-gay-tac-ruot-be-gai-4-tuoi-mac-hoi-chung-cong-chua-toc-may-o-can-tho-20250923172306226.htm