Rare Surgery Saves 7-Year-Old Boy as Doctors Remove Massive Hair and Grass Bundle in Ahmedabad

Doctors at Civil Hospital Ahmedabad have successfully performed a rare and complex surgery on a seven-year-old boy from Madhya Pradesh, removing a massive bundle of hair, grass, and shoelaces from his stomach and intestines.

The young patient, identified as Shubham from Ratlam district, had been suffering from severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, and rapid weight loss for nearly two months. Despite treatment at a private hospital in Madhya Pradesh, his condition worsened, forcing his family to seek advanced medical care in Ahmedabad.

Upon arrival, doctors at Civil Hospital conducted a CT scan and endoscopy, which revealed an unusual obstruction inside his digestive tract. The findings shocked both the family and the medical team, as the mass was unusually large and posed serious risks.

A team of specialists carried out an exploratory laparotomy to remove the bundle, medically known as a trichobezoar. The surgery was declared successful, but Shubham had to remain without food or water for six days to allow proper recovery. On the seventh day, a dye test confirmed that the procedure had been effective and no leakage remained in the digestive system.

According to the doctors, the trichobezoar had developed due to the child’s habit of swallowing non-food items such as hair and grass. To prevent recurrence, a psychologist has been assigned to help him overcome this dangerous habit.

Medical experts explained that trichobezoar is extremely rare in children, with an occurrence rate of just 0.3 to 0.5 percent. If not treated promptly, the condition can become life-threatening as the growing mass blocks the stomach and intestines, causing malnutrition, severe pain, and other complications.

Health specialists also emphasized the importance of parental vigilance. Children showing signs of unusual eating behavior should be evaluated at the earliest, as timely diagnosis and intervention can save lives. Shubham’s case serves as a reminder that awareness and quick medical response are vital when it comes to rare but serious conditions like trichobezoar.