Gastric Volvulus: A Multidisciplinary Approach and Conservative Treatment

Gastric volvulus can be defined as an abnormal rotation of the stomach. It can be both an emergency and a chronic intermittent problem. Being such a rare clinical entity and a difficult condition to diagnose, it is commonly diagnosed at the time of surgery or even at autopsy. We present the case of an 82-year-old independent female with a past medical history of hiatal hernia, who came to the emergency department with hematemesis and severe epigastric pain. An abdominal CT scan revealed an organoaxial stomach volvulus within the intrathoracic cavity. After initial treatment with gastric decompression, IV fluids and proton pump inhibitors, the patient was informed that the surgical intervention would be the only definitive curative treatment for her condition and denied the procedure. She was then discharged after clinical and analytical improvement. She was offered a conservative treatment and follow up by the internal medicine team. After a few months, the patient reported moderate improvement of her symptoms and less episodes of epigastric pain. She was pleased with the conservative management and denied any surgical or invasive procedures. A proximity contact was established with the family doctor, which she maintains. This case report is proof that rare entities can happen to patients presenting common symptoms and better resolutions come from multidisciplinary approaches.