An unusual bezoar: Elastic hair ties triggering small bowel obstruction

Abstract

Bezoars, formed by the accumulation of indigestible material, can lead to significant gastrointestinal complications including obstruction and intussusceptions. A 17-year-old female presented with several days of lower abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Imaging demonstrated multiple small bowel intussusceptions, and a stomach distended with radio dense material. Surgical exploration revealed a massive collection of hair ties and hair extending from the stomach into the small bowel and colon. Resection, reduction, and removal of the foreign bodies were performed, and patient was later diagnosis with PICA. Timely imaging studies and surgical evaluation are fundamental to diagnose and manage rare forms of bezoars. Hair tie bezoars represent a unique, though infrequent, cause of bowel obstruction that necessitates an integrated approach encompassing surgical, psychiatric, and nutritional interventions.