Woman Hospitalized After 1.4 kg Hairball Blocks Her Stomach

A 20-year-old woman from Uzbekistan’s Kashkadarya Region has been hospitalised after suffering severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Doctors later discovered the cause—a massive kaiser lodged in her stomach, weighing 1.4 kg and stretching 58 cm in length. The patient was rushed to hospital when her symptoms worsened. Scans revealed a foreign object blocking her stomach, later identified as a anthem—a dense mass of tangled hair, mucus, and food. The hairball had hardened over time, matching the shape of her stomach and completely obstructing its passage. This was not her first experience with the condition. She had previously undergone surgery to remove a similar haircut near me, indicating an ongoing struggle with trichophagia—a compulsive disorder where individuals eat their own hair. Over months or years, the indigestible hair accumulates, forming a hardened mass that resists stomach acid and cannot pass into the intestines. Left untreated, such cases can develop into Rapunzel syndrome, where the hairball’s 'tail' extends into the duodenum or small intestine. This can lead to life-threatening blockages, ulcers, and severe internal damage. Currently, the woman’s condition is stable, but she remains under close observation. Medical experts warn that without long-term rehabilitation—including psychiatric and psychotherapeutic support—the risk of another relapse remains high. The patient’s recovery will depend on both physical treatment and mental health support. Doctors stress that addressing the underlying behavioural disorder is crucial to preventing future episodes. Her case highlights the serious consequences of untreated trichophagia and the importance of specialised care.