Gastric diverticulum and halitosis-A case for surgery?

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Case Reports

Background:

• Gastric diverticulum is a rare condition, often asymptomatic.
• Symptoms can range from vague pain and dyspepsia to severe complications like hemorrhage or perforation.
• Oral fetor and belching are less common but socially disabling symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of gastric diverticulum presenting with socially disabling oral fetor.
• To evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic resection for this symptom.
• To discuss the potential indications for surgical intervention in gastric diverticulum.

Main Methods:

• A 58-year-old female patient with a diagnosed gastric diverticulum and severe oral fetor was evaluated.
• Laparoscopic resection of the gastric diverticulum was performed.
• Patient outcome and symptom resolution were assessed during follow-up.

Main Results:

• The laparoscopic resection of the gastric diverticulum was successfully completed.
• Postoperatively, the patient's oral fetor completely resolved.
• The patient reported no further complaints and considered herself cured.

Conclusions:

• While indications for treating asymptomatic gastric diverticula are unclear, surgery may be considered for severe, therapy-resistant symptoms.
• Laparoscopic resection offers a potential solution for disabling symptoms like oral fetor associated with gastric diverticulum.
• Further research is needed to define surgical indications beyond acute complications.