Hairball from Rapunzel Syndrome Removed via Endoscopy at Shanghai Hospital

An 18-year-old woman with a digestive disorder experienced a strong, uncontrollable urge to pull out and swallow her own hair. She had a large hairball removed from her stomach through non-invasive endoscopy at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital.

The disorder is called Rapunzel Syndrome, named after the fairy tale character with very long hair. The syndrome typically affects female minors.

Patients with large hairballs usually require surgery for removal, but smaller ones can be removed through endoscopy. According to the woman's family from Anhui Province, she began eating hair when she was six years old. In recent months, she developed frequent abdominal distension, vomiting blood, and passing blood in her stool. After visiting several hospitals, her family finally sought treatment at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, where the hairball was successfully removed using a non-invasive approach.

Dr Meng Xiangjun explained that tests revealed a large hairball almost completely covering the woman's stomach, which had caused several large, deep ulcers. "Given the patient's young age and her strong desire to avoid scars, we carefully planned to remove the hairball through endoscopy. Since the hairball was very hard and difficult to move, we abandoned the standard devices and instead used innovative tools, including self-developed equipment, to cut and remove the hairball," said Meng.

The patient recovered quickly and was discharged just four days later.

Meng also advised parents to be alert if minors experience long-term abdominal pain, distension, poor appetite, and unexplained weight loss. He stressed the importance of monitoring for habits like biting or swallowing hair, nails, or other odd objects, as these behaviors could be linked to mental health and mood issues.

"Early detection and intervention are essential," he added. "If patients are concerned about surgery, they can consult professionals to discuss the possibility of endoscopic treatment."

If you want to consult

You can visit digestive medicine department of Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital at 500 Quxi Rd, or email Dr Meng Xiangjun through xiangjunmeng@aliyun.com

上海第九人民医院消化门诊

瞿溪路500号