Doctors perform rare surgery to remove hair, grass, shoelace from a child’s stomach: This is what happened

At an Ahmedabad hospital, doctors came across a case that was as rare as it was challenging. A seven-year-old boy from Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, had been struggling with stomach pain, repeated vomiting, and weight loss for nearly two months.

His condition left his family worried and doctors puzzled, until advanced tests revealed something unusual inside his stomach.

What tests revealed inside the stomach

According to Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi, who told PTI, the boy had earlier undergone surgery at a private hospital in Madhya Pradesh but continued to suffer. Once admitted to Ahmedabad, doctors performed a CT scan and an endoscopy. To their surprise, these reports showed a lump of hair and a shoelace tightly packed inside the child’s stomach.The team at Civil Hospital decided to go ahead with a laparotomy, a complex surgical procedure. During the operation, they successfully removed the unusual lump. A dye test carried out a week later confirmed that no residue was left in the stomach. The surgery not only provided the child with relief but also showcased the expertise of the medical team that handled this delicate case.

What is Trichobezoar?

Doctors later explained that the child was suffering from a condition called trichobezoar, where swallowed hair forms a hard, matted ball inside the stomach.

This condition, though rare, can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, constipation, and in some cases, dangerous complications if left untreated. The added presence of a shoelace made this case even more uncommon.The hospital’s efforts did not end with surgery. A psychiatrist was also brought in to counsel the child. Doctors shared that this step was crucial so that he would not fall back into the habit of swallowing unusual objects.

After counselling and care, the boy gradually recovered and was discharged from the hospital.This case is more than just a medical report. It is a reminder of how unusual habits in children can sometimes lead to serious health issues. It also shows the importance of timely medical attention and the role of specialists in not just treating the body, but also addressing the mind. For the doctors and the boy’s family, this will remain a story of struggle, relief, and learning.Disclaimer: This article is based on information reported by PTI. It is meant only for general awareness and should not be considered as medical advice. For any health concerns, please consult a qualified doctor.