Rapunzel Syndrome: When Hair becomes a Hazard – Insights into a Rare Gastrointestinal Disorder

Syndrome is defined by the development of a trichobezoar, or mass of swallowed hair, that grows from the stomach into the intestines. Psychiatric illnesses like trichotillomania and trichophagia, which cause compulsive hair pulling and eating, are commonly linked to this condition. Bezoars are gastrointestinal tract concretions that get bigger over time due to the constant buildup of fibers or non-absorbable meals. Trichobezoars—bezoars from swallowed hair from the head, toys, or brushes—make up the majority of bezoars in children. Even though Rapunzel Syndrome is uncommon, it presents serious diagnostic and treatment issues that frequently necessitate a multidisciplinary approach for successful therapy. Despite being uncommon, Rapunzel Syndrome needs to be recognized very away and treated with a multidisciplinary team. Improving patient outcomes requires early diagnosis, surgical excision of the trichobezoar, and thorough psychological treatment. The goal of this review is to give a thorough understanding of Rapunzel Syndrome, covering its pathophysiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic techniques, and treatment approaches. The essay focuses deeper into the disorder's psychosocial and psychiatric components as well, emphasizing how crucial it is to treat these elements in addition to surgical and medicinal treatments.