In a rare and alarming medical case reported by Mumbai Mirror, doctors in the city successfully removed a massive hairball from the stomach of a 12 year old girl after she complained of daily vomiting, low appetite and a constant feeling of fullness.
The condition came to light after the child, Sukanya, name changed, showed unusually slow physical growth despite having no previous illness or medical history.
Symptoms led to deeper investigation
According to Mumbai Mirror, doctors began a detailed evaluation after noticing a visible lump in the upper abdomen during a routine examination. Blood tests were followed by a CT scan, which revealed a large mass occupying most of the stomach cavity.
An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy confirmed the presence of a dense hairball stretching from the stomach into the beginning of the small intestine. The mass had taken up more than 90 percent of the stomach space, making it a serious concern.
Surgery became the only option
Doctors initially attempted to remove the mass through endoscopy, but the size and density made the procedure unsafe. The surgical team then opted for open surgery.
During the three hour operation, surgeons made an incision in the upper abdomen and carefully opened the stomach. They extracted a hairball measuring approximately 16 by 14 cm, shaped almost like the stomach itself. Laboratory tests later confirmed it to be a trichobezoar composed of hair, mucus and food particles, with no signs of cancer.
Recovery and medical insight
The child was kept under observation in the paediatric ward and gradually reintroduced to food. She began consuming liquids by the third day and was discharged within a week with a structured recovery plan.
Doctors explained that human hair cannot be digested and can accumulate over time if ingested repeatedly. In this case, the mass had formed gradually over three to four years.
They also noted that such conditions are often linked to emotional stress or behavioural disorders where individuals pull and consume their own hair. Experts emphasised the importance of counselling, behavioural therapy and emotional support to prevent recurrence and ensure long term recovery.
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