Gastrointestinal trichobezoar: An experience with 17 cases

Retrospective case series of 17 pediatric trichobezoar patients (median age 7 years) demonstrates that 54% presented with Rapunzel syndrome and 41% developed serious complications including bowel obstruction, perforation, and intussusception. Delayed diagnosis is common as trichobezoars mimic chronic conditions like tuberculosis or malignancy, emphasizing the need for high clinical suspicion in children with unexplained abdominal symptoms.