A case report of large gastric diverticulum with literature review.

INTRODUCTION

A gastric diverticulum is a rare form of diverticular disease due to outpouching of the gastric wall. It is equally presented within both sexes and commonly occurs in fifth and sixth decades of life. Patients mostly asymptomatic but may present with mild gastric symptoms. Surgical treatment is largely dependent on the patient's symptoms, and a laparoscopic approach is usually recommended for surgery.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 77-year-old gentleman presented to the outpatient clinic with a one-month history of passing black stools. He was arranged for an oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) which revealed a gastric body polyp and a diverticulum in the fundus of the stomach.

DISCUSSION: Gastric diverticulum is defined as an outpouching of the gastric wall. They are uncommon, with an incidence between 0.01-0.11%. Predisposing factors include: areas of weakness caused by splitting of the longitudinal muscle fibres, an absence of peritoneal membrane and perforating arterioles. The management of patients with gastric diverticulum depend largely on their symptoms. There is no specific treatment required for an asymptomatic diverticulum.

CONCLUSION

Gastric diverticula are rare conditions which are largely asymptomatic but may present with varying signs and symptoms and may require surgical intervention.