Diverticula of the Stomach and Gastrointestinal Prolapse

Gastric diverticula are rare and are found in 0.02% of autopsy specimens. Almost all are located on the posterior wall of the cardia and to the left of the esophagus ( Fig. 29.1 ). They are thought to be congenital but occur at the structural weakness of the longitudinal muscles on the posterior surface. Usually, the diverticula contain all layers of the muscle wall and are 2 to 3 cm long and 1.2 cm in diameter. Openings are wide, permit free communication with gastric contents, and may be seen endoscopically. Gastric diverticula are best visualized on a retroflexion view. On barium radiography, they can be missed when the stomach is distended but often are seen on the lesser curvature, and they fill and empty regularly.

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Gastric Diverticula and Gastroduodenal Prolapse.