Repair of a perforated duodenal diverticulum using intraduodenal suture in 94 year old woman: A case report

INTRODUCTION: In case of gastrointestinal diverticula, the duodenal type is quite frequent; duodenum is the second most common site for diverticula following the colon (Glener et al., 2016). However, duodenal diverticular perforation is rare, so the appropriate surgical treatment for this condition is yet unclear (Simoes et al., 2014). This literature has been written in line with the SCARE criteria (Agha et al., 2018). PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 94-year-old woman emergently presented to our department with diffuse abdominal tenderness and guarding, indicating pan-peritonitis. Computed tomography revealed pneumoretroperitoneum; Therefore, gastrointestinal perforation was suspected. Emergency surgery was performed; we detected the perforated diverticulum located at the posterior wall of the duodenum with accompanying inflammation. Considering the location, postoperative leakage, and the patient's advanced age, we placed trans-section on duodenal wall against the lesion and resected the diverticulum, The lumen was then manually sutured from within. The anterior wall was closed using linear staplers. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged 24 days after surgery. DISCUSSSIONS: As perforated duodenal diverticulum is rare, the ideal management is unclear. Several studies mention various surgical procedures. However, actual treatment varies based on the patient's situation and surgeon's assessment. Almost all cases that require surgery present emergently; therefore, simpler and more effective treatment methods are required (Simoes et al., 2014; Philip et al., 2019; Fujisaki et al., 2014). CONCLUSION: We used a unique surgical technique; intraduodenal suture for perforated diverticulum. This technique can be a feasible alternative for managing this condition.