Perforated duodenal diverticula. Case report and treatment options

Background: the presence of duodenal diverticula was first described in 1710 by Chromel. Duodenal diverticulum is the second most common site of diverticula in the digestive tract. Anatomically duodenal diverticula are located in 10 to 67% in the second portion of duodenum, and its finding in most cases incidental. About 90% of patients appear asymptomatic, manifesting symptoms mostly once established complications such as: gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation.

Methods: 78-years-old woman who attended our Emergency department with dyspnea, moderate epigastralgia, abdominal bloating, constipation and difficulty to pass gas; Laparotomy was performed to identify duodenal diverticulum in the third portion of the duodenum with a perforation of 5 mm in its cupula. It proceeds with diverticulectomy.

Conclusions: The diagnosis of duodenal diverticulum as a cause of acute abdomen must be considered in our differential diagnosis in acute abdomen supported by imaging and endoscopy. The surgical management of duodenal diverticulum, in particular the resection of the diverticulum, remains as the recommendation for treatment with less morbidity and a good recovery.