Gastric necrosis associated with acute gastric dilatation and small bowel obstruction

Abstract

Background While acute gastric dilation is a postoperative complication familiar to most surgeons, massive dilatation with necrosis and rupture is a very rare event. We performed a computer search in the MEDLINE database for the years 1966–2001 for articles published in any language using the key words gastric dilation, gastric necrosis, intestinal obstruction, and gynecologic surgery. Our search yielded no reports of massive gastric dilation and ischemic necrosis from a small bowel obstruction following gynecologic surgery. Case A 76-year-old woman developed massive gastric dilatation with ischemic necrosis associated with small bowel obstruction following gynecologic surgery for benign disease. Conclusion Gynecologists should be aware of the entity. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to minimize morbidity and mortality.