Esophageal candidiasis in an immunocompetent patient after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: A case report: Esophageal candidiasis after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Abdulaziz Abouhosa; Layan  Ghunaim; Beril Kaptan; Rabia Seray Barlak; Ufuk Utku Goktug; Tolga Muftuoglu; Zeyneb Tatar

doi:10.28982/josam.8504

Authors

Abdulaziz Abouhosa Bahçeşehir University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0682-488X
Layan Ghunaim Bahçeşehir University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0910-0302
Beril Kaptan Bahçeşehir University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7459-8188
Rabia Seray Barlak Bahçeşehir University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8778-4785
Ufuk Utku Goktug Department of General Surgery, Medical Park Göztepe Hospital , Istanbul, Turkey https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9164-560X
Tolga Muftuoglu Department of General Surgery, Medical Park Göztepe Hospital , Istanbul, Turkey https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0040-4297
Zeyneb Tatar Department of Pathology, Medical Park Göztepe Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8369-2273

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.28982/josam.8504

Keywords:

Esophageal candidiasis, Bariatric surgery, Candida infection, Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, Postoperative complications, Immunocompetent patient

Abstract

Esophageal candidiasis is an opportunistic infection typically observed in immunocompromised individuals, whereas laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a widely performed bariatric procedure with relatively low rates of infectious complications. We report the case of a 51-year-old immunocompetent woman who developed esophageal candidiasis one year after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and presented with a postprandial burning sensation and epigastric discomfort. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed diffuse white plaques along the esophageal mucosa, and histopathological examination confirmed Candida hyphae. The patient was treated with oral fluconazole, resulting in rapid clinical and endoscopic improvement. This case highlights the importance of considering esophageal candidiasis in the differential diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal symptoms after bariatric surgery, even in immunocompetent patients.

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