Unusual Case: One-Foot-Long Hairball Removed from Woman’s Stomach in Mandi Surgery

Mandi, May 23:
In a rare and unusual medical case, doctors at Ner Chowk Medical College and Hospital in Mandi successfully removed a nearly one-foot-long hairball from a woman’s stomach during surgery on Friday morning.

The patient had been admitted with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Following initial treatment, doctors conducted an ultrasound and CT scan, which revealed an unusual mass in her abdomen. During laparoscopic surgery, performed under the leadership of Dr. Rahul Mrigpuri and Dr. Ajay, the surgical team discovered the large clump of hair lodged in her stomach.

It was later determined that the woman, who has a history of mental illness, had been ingesting her own hair over several years—a condition known medically as trichobezoar. This rare disorder results in the accumulation of hair or other indigestible materials in the stomach.

The surgical team included Dr. Shyamli, Dr. Pankaj, and nursing staff Chandra Jyoti and Dimple, all of whom played a critical role in the procedure. The operation was successful, and the patient is now in stable condition under medical observation.

Senior Medical Superintendent Dr. Rajneesh Sharma confirmed the case and emphasized that it underscores the often-overlooked importance of mental health. “This is not just a surgical issue—it’s a reflection of neglected mental health. There’s a significant lack of awareness about mental illnesses, which can lead to such complex situations,” he said.

Dr. Sharma noted that a similar case had been reported at the same hospital in February 2025, where various foreign objects were removed from the stomach of another mentally ill patient. He stressed the need for timely diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric conditions to prevent such outcomes in the future.