Ahmedabad Doctors Remove Rare Hair and Shoelace Mass from 7-Year-Old’s Stomach

Ahmedabad – In a remarkable medical feat, doctors at Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, successfully removed a large and unusual mass composed of hair, grass, and shoelaces from the stomach and intestines of a 7-year-old boy from Ratlam district in Madhya Pradesh.

The child, Shubham, had been suffering from severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and unexplained weight loss for nearly two months. Despite undergoing treatment at a local private hospital, his condition failed to improve, prompting his family to bring him to Ahmedabad for advanced care.

Upon conducting a CT scan and endoscopy, doctors at Civil Hospital discovered a massive obstruction in the child’s digestive system. A team of surgeons then performed a complex exploratory laparotomy to remove what is medically known as a trichobezoar — a rare mass formed due to the ingestion of non-food items.

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Following the successful surgery, Shubham was placed on a strict post-operative care plan, which included no oral intake for six days. A dye test on the seventh day confirmed a full recovery, allowing doctors to gradually reintroduce fluids and food.

Trichobezoar, though more commonly reported in adolescents with psychiatric conditions, is extremely rare in young children. According to medical staff at Civil Hospital, the condition affects only 0.3 to 0.5 percent of pediatric patients and can become life-threatening if not diagnosed early.

Doctors believe the mass developed due to Shubham’s habit of ingesting hair, grass, and other non-edible items — a behavioral disorder often linked to psychological stress or conditions such as pica.

A psychologist is now working with the child to help him overcome the compulsive behavior and prevent a recurrence.

Medical experts are urging parents to be vigilant for unusual eating habits in their children, such as chewing or swallowing hair, paper, soil, or fabric. Early intervention, they emphasize, is key to avoiding severe health complications.

“Such cases highlight the importance of both medical and psychological support in pediatric care,” said one of the attending doctors. “Parents must seek help immediately if they notice strange behavior, as timely treatment can save lives.”