Respiratory arrest due to airway obstruction following endoscopic removal of Trichobezoar

A trichobezoar is a ball of swallowed hair that collectsin the stomach and fails to pass through the intestines. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is usually useful for diagnosis and retrieval of a portion of the gastric Trichobezoars but can have complications. Upper airway obstruction may occur during removal of bezoar. This complication may be life threatening. We report the case of a 17-year-old girl who presented with severe anaemia and hypoproteinaemia. During diagnostic upper GI endoscopy, a large piece of hairball compressed the upper airway, leading to cyanosis, respiratory arrest and cardiovascular collapse. The patient was immediately intubated and transferred to the operation room for emergency esophagoscopy. In the operation room, after haemodynamic stabilization the otolaryngologist removed the large piece by esophagoscope. Then the patient was transferred to ICU ward with spontaneous ventilation. The day after, she became stable and conscious.