A case report of gastroparesis resolved by styloidectomy

Abstract

A 28 year old male was referred with a 5 month history of an inability to eat more than a few mouthfuls of food without early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting. He had lost 37kg in weight (95kg–58kg; 7.4kg/month) by the time of referral. He also described symptoms suggestive of both variants of Eagle's syndrome (glossopharyngeal and styloid-carotid) and symptoms consistent with limitation of internal jugular vein outflow. The patient underwent bilateral styloidectomy and resection of the transverse processes of the C1 vertebra. The patient described post-operative resolution of symptoms including the immediate and ongoing ability to eat a full meal without pain or vomiting. We discuss the possible underlying aetiology for weight loss and why immediate resolution occurred after surgery.

Keywords

• Gastroparesis
• Eagle's syndrome
• Styoloidectomy
• Vagus nerve