Laparoscopic resection of perforated duodenal diverticulum – A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: Duodenum diverticulum is the most common site for diverticular disease of small intestine. Most of duodenal diverticulum are asymptomatic, but complicated or perforated duodenal diverticulum is rare. Nonoperative management is attractive in selected patients, because of higher surgical complications. We suggest the use of a minimally invasive operative method as an alternative approach for the management of complicated duodenal diverticulum, especially when conservative treatment has failed. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old female was admitted to Emergency Department with sudden onset of severe right upper abdominal pain and fever (38.2 °C) lasted 8 h. Abdominal computed tomographic imaging was performed and a perforated duodenal diverticulum with right-sided anterior pararenal space free air and fluid retention was identified. After assessment and resuscitation, proper treatment modality was selected taking in consideration type, location and complication of duodenal diverticulum. A emergency laparoscopic duodenal diverticulectomy with intraabdominal drainage was performed. Postoperative period was uneventful and patient was discharged on the 10th postoperative day. English literatures discussing laparoscopic management for complicated duodenal diverticulum were carefully reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic approach showed less complication, shorted hospital stay and better outcome in comparison to conservative, or open surgery. Laparoscopic approach is safe and feasible in selected cases of complicated duodenal diverticulum (laterally located and protruding duodenal diverticulum). With advances in laparoscopic instruments and techniques, complicated duodenal diverticulums can be managed safely by laparoscopically.