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RACS ASC 2024

Hairy hors d’oeuvres: multiple management strategies for paediatric trichobezoars in Western Australia

Verbal Presentation

Verbal Presentation

4:35 pm

09 May 2024

Dobson 3

RESEARCH PAPERS

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Presentation Description

Institution: Perth Children's Hospital - WA, Australia

Purpose Trichobezoars are an uncommon presentation, and can be a challenge to identify and manage in the paediatric population. Trichobezoars insidiously increase in size and as a consequence typically present late. Surgical removal through conventional laparotomy is the gold standard in management. Minimally invasive options for extraction are limited in both suitability and operative times. In this case series, we report five cases of successful minimally invasive management in Western Australia. Methodology A retrospective search was performed for the past five years (from 2019-present). Five cases were identified and medical records were reviewed. Data was analysed for demographics, presenting symptoms, investigations, interventions and complications. Results The five female children were aged between 7-11 years old with gastric and/or intestinal trichobezoar confirmed on imaging. The most common presenting complaint was abdominal pain. Three patients had an underlying psychiatric diagnosis. Three patients received dissolution therapy with Coca-Cola, one of which showed complete resolution on endoscopy. Two cases were successfully retrieved endoscopically, and two cases that were deemed unsuitable for gastroscopic removal were retrieved via mini-laparotomy through the assistance of an Alexis O retractor. All cases received optimal multidisciplinary input and had not represented at the time of the data collection. Conclusion Trichobezoars should be considered as a differential diagnosis for patients presenting with abdominal pain and a palpable abdominal mass. Minimally invasive approaches for the initial management are safe and effective. Long term multidisciplinary input is essential to avoid recurrence.

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Authors

Authors

Dr Amelia Davis - , Dr Benjamin Wagstaff - , Dr Elizabeth Whan - , Dr Michael Collin - , Dr Parshotam Gera - , Dr Colin Kikiros -