Sigmoid Diverticular Perforation in a 23-year-old patient: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Diverticulitis is inflammation of one or more adjacent diverticulums and the surrounding colon. Patients with diverticulitis typically present acute or subacute abdominal pain in the left lower quadrant. Most patients with diverticulitis are over 50; however, diverticulitis is increasingly common in the younger. Diverticulitis may present with acute abdomen by causing intra-abdominal perforation. Although it is infrequent, diverticulitis perforation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of young patients with acute abdomen.Case Presentation: In this case, we present the acute abdomen secondary to diverticulitis perforation in a 23-year-old male patient. The patient's physical examination and computed tomography scan were interpreted as perforation. We performed explorative laparotomy. In the operation, the stomach and other lumen organs were intact. It was observed that there were diverticula in the sigmoid colon, intense inflammation in the colon serosa in the region of the diverticula, and a perforation area of 1 cm in diameter.Conclusions: Diverticulitis usually presents with abdominal pain in the left lower quadrant of the elderly patient. However, it may present with acute abdomen by causing intra-abdominal perforation. Although it is infrequent, diverticulitis perforation should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of young patients presenting with acute abdomen.

Keywords

• diverticulitis
• diverticular disease
• diverticular perforation
• young patient
• complications
• acute abdomen