The Rapunzel syndrome is known in medical terminology as trichobezoar. It
is a very rare disorder in which hair is swallowed by an individual. The hair is
indigestable and becomes entrapped within the stomach resulting in a hair ball. After
years of this condition the hairs start to extend beyond the stomach into the small bowel.
This is known as the Rapunzel syndrome. It is primarily found in children who are
emotionally disturbed. The syndrome takes its name from a Brothers Grimmʼs fairy tale
character, Rapunzel. The fictional Rapunzel is known for her long, flowing, beautiful
hair.
Keywords: Brothers Grimm, fairy tale, folktales, Hanau, laproscopy, Rapunzel
syndrome, small bowel, stomach, trichobezoar, trichophagia, trichotillomania.
