Massive Hair Clump Found Inside Woman’s Belly
Doctors at the Medical College in Ner Chowk,Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) recently performed a rare and complex surgery on a mentally ill woman, removing a one-foot-long clump of hair from her stomach. The woman had been experiencing severe abdominal pain and continuous vomiting before she was admitted to the hospital.
Trichobezoar – A Rare Stomach Mass
Initial medical examinations including ultrasound and CT scans revealed an unusual mass in her stomach. Further evaluation confirmed the presence of a large trichobezoar – a rare condition where a ball of undigested material, typically hair, collects in the stomach.
In this case, the patient had been unknowingly consuming her own hair for several years. Over time, this resulted in a large hairball that her body could not digest or pass naturally.
Surgical Team and Procedure
The laparoscopic surgery was successfully carried out by a medical team led by Dr. Rahul Mrigpuri and Dr. Ajay, with assistance from Dr. Shyamli, Dr. Pankaj, and nursing staff Chandra Jyoti and Dimple. The surgery was completed without complications, and the patient is now in stable condition. However, she remains under observation for further recovery and mental health care.
A Reflection of Mental Health Neglect
Senior Medical Superintendent Dr. Rajneesh Sharma called the case highly unusual but also a wake-up call. He pointed out that the root cause lies in unaddressed mental health issues. The woman had been silently suffering from a psychological condition known as trichotillomania—an impulse-control disorder that causes people to pull out and eat their own hair, which eventually leads to trichobezoar.
Dr. Sharma stressed the urgent need for better mental health awareness and care in society. Without proper mental health support, such serious complications can develop unnoticed.
Not an Isolated Incident
This is not the first case of its kind at the Mandi medical facility. In February 2025, doctors had removed multiple unusual objects like knives, nuts, and spoons from another patient’s stomach—also suffering from severe mental illness.
Conclusion
Experts underline the importance of timely diagnosis and psychiatric intervention to prevent such dangerous outcomes. Mental health is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in physical health. Raising awareness, encouraging early consultations, and ensuring ongoing support for those affected are vital steps in avoiding such extreme cases.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
