Upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage: Unexpected discovery

Abstract

Pica is a serious condition that is characterized by ingesting inedible things which can prove to be fatal (glass, pebbles, etc.) We present the case of a 64-year-old male patient who is admitted to the emergency room with the following complaints: upper GI tract bleeding manifested through hematemesis and melena, epigastric pain, lack of bowel movements. A contrast computed tomograohy is performed showing the presence of a hyper-dense stomach content, gastric wall thickening, abdominal fluid but with no signs of intestinal occlusion. A laparotomy is performed and ollowing an anterior gastrotomy a large quantity of pebbles is found along with a hemorrhagic and stenotic tumor of the lesser curvature. Taking into account the intraoperative aspect the decision was made to perform an end-to-side stapled esophago-jejunal anastomosis on an omega loop with a Braun entero-entero anastomosis following total gastric resection and D1 lymphadenectomy. Postoperative course is uneventful. A barium swallow carried out on the 10th day following surgery shows a functional anastomosis without leakage. On day 11, the patient is discharged. Pica is usually discovered by accident, most frequently on the operating table which is why thorough preoperative examination and investigations are required.