Small bowel diverticula

Abstract

Small bowel diverticula are the cause of perforation peritonitis, visceral inflammatory masses, bleeding and obstruction of intestinal loops. This medical condition is the cause of death of many people and, consequently, it is considered a health problem. This study presents the case of an elderly, male patient with a very intense and stabbing abdominal pain that began in the epigastrium, and that later radiated to the rest of the abdomen. There was no relief and the pain was accompanied by two vomits and a fever of 38 degrees Celsius. He had a long history of abdominal symptomatology which included slow digestions, abdominal colics and epigastric pain. On physical examination moderate abdominal distension was found which was painful on palpation, with generalized peritoneal reaction. Laparotomy was performed by median supra- and infra-umbilical incision and a large amount of free intestinal liquid in the cavity was observed, with evident signs of peritoneal irritation, slough and fibrin. A diagnosis of peritonitis by perforated jejunal diverticulum was made. Diverticulectomy and two-plane suture were performed. The patient progressed satisfactorily.