Background: Gastric necrosis after Nissen fundoplication is a rare and life-threatening complication described in paediatric surgery and in some experimental models. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapy of acute gastric dilatation is mandatory to avoid potentially fatal gastric necrosis.
Case report: This case report is the first one to describe a gastric necrosis in an adult as a late and very severe complication after Nissen fundoplication. Gastric dilatation and subsequent necrosis occurred 14 years after Nissen fundoplication because of small bowel obstruction based on adhesions.
Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of gastric dilatation after Nissen fundoplication are essential to prevent from severe secondary complications but can be difficult to establish because of atypical symptoms.