Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for severe corrosive gastritis: report of a case

We report a case of severe corrosive gastritis caused by alkali ingestion, which was successfully treated by laparoscopic gastrectomy. A 38-year-old Japanese woman attempted suicide by ingesting Drano. She was treated conservatively for 3 months, but severe stenosis of the antrum secondary to scarification resulted in outlet obstruction. A Billroth I distal gastrectomy was performed through a laparoscopy-assisted approach. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged on the 13th day after her operation. She was subsequently able to tolerate a normal diet, gained weight, and is now emotionally stable.