Panamerican Journal of Trauma, Critical Care & Emergency Surgery

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VOLUME 12 , ISSUE 1 ( January-April, 2023 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Intestinal Obstruction due to Perforated Jejunal Volvulus Secondary to Diverticulitis

Carlos Alberto Lozano de Avila, Carlos Alberto Lozano De Avila, Nayib De Jesus Zurita Medrano, Camilo Viaña Ghisays, Karen Garcia Garcia, Carlos Alberto Borda Venegas, Vanessa Duque

Keywords : Acute abdomen, Diverticulitis, Intestinal perforation, Intestinal volvulus

Citation Information : De Avila CA, de Avila C L, Medrano ND, Ghisays CV, Garcia KG, Venegas CA, Duque V. Intestinal Obstruction due to Perforated Jejunal Volvulus Secondary to Diverticulitis. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2023; 12 (1):16-19.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10030-1412

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 29-04-2023

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2023; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aim: To report a unique case of an elderly female patient requiring urgent surgical intervention for a perforated jejunal volvulus due to diverticulitis. Background: Despite diverticular disease being a common pathology incidentally identified in imaging studies, acute complications are frequent reasons for urgent surgical consultation and surgical intervention. Such decisions are based on individual findings and scientific evidence, which allows for anticípating the possible consequences of each therapeutic option, and the patient's opinion in order to provide the most convenient management for each case. Case description: An old woman was admitted to the emergency department of a third-level hospital for acute abdominal pain associated with nausea and the presence of an indurated mass in the upper abdomen. During the physical examination, signs of peritoneal irritation were found and through a total abdominal ultrasound and a computed tomography (CT) scan, suggestive signs of obstruction and incarceration were evidenced. An exploratory laparotomy was performed and multiple microperforated diverticula were found in the proximal portion of the jejunum. These were successfully resected. Conclusion: The complications of diverticulitis can appear suddenly and compromise the life of the patient in the short-term, which makes it important to consider its existence in the context of acute abdomen, especially given the knowledge of the diagnosis of diverticular disease, and provide a relevant approach. Clinical significance: The case described in this document recalls the importance of timely and prompt attention to acute abdominal pain, as well as, consideration of complications of diverticular disease in cases where it is known, considering that they can become life-threatening.


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