Controversies in the surgical management of sigmoid diverticulitis

Complicated retroperitoneal diverticulitis presenting with abscess and acute limb ischemia

This case highlights a rare presentation of diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon with perforation into the retroperitoneum complicated by abscess, vertebral osteomyelitis and acute lower extremity ischemia. A late 40-year-old man presented to an emergency department with acute ischemia of his left lower extremity. He was tachycardic with a leucocytosis, an unremarkable abdominal exam and a pulseless, insensate and paralysed left lower extremity. Imaging revealed sigmoid thickening, an abscess adjacent to iliac vasculature and occlusion of the left popliteal artery. The abscess came in contact with prior spine anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) hardware at L5-S1 vertebrae. The patient was taken urgently to the operating room for embolectomy, thrombectomy and fasciotomy. He was started on antibiotics and later underwent operative drainage with debridement for osteomyelitis. Non-operative management of the complicated diverticulitis failed, necessitating open sigmoidectomy with colostomy. 1 year later, he was symptom-free and the colostomy was reversed.

Pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum and pneumomediastinum: rare complications of perforation peritonitis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Gas extravasation complications arising from perforated diverticulitis are common but manifestations such as pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum, and pneumomediastinum happening at the same time are exceedingly rare. This case report explores the unique presentation of these 3 complications occurring simultaneously, their diagnosis and their management, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for accurate diagnosis and effective management.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 74-year-old North African female, with a medical history including hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, goiter, prior cholecystectomy, and bilateral total knee replacement, presented with sudden-onset pelvic pain, chronic constipation, and rectal bleeding. Clinical examination revealed hemodynamic instability, hypoxemia, and diffuse tenderness. After appropriate fluid resuscitation with norepinephrine and saline serum, the patient was stable enough to undergo computed tomography scan. Emergency computed tomography scan confirmed perforated diverticulitis at the rectosigmoid junction, accompanied by the unprecedented presence of pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum, and pneumomediastinum. The patient underwent prompt surgical intervention with colo-rectal resection and a Hartmann colostomy. The postoperative course was favorable, leading to discharge one week after admission.

CONCLUSIONS

This case report highlights the clinical novelty of gas extravasation complications in perforated diverticulitis. The unique triad of pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum, and pneumomediastinum in a 74-year-old female underscores the diagnostic challenges and the importance of advanced imaging techniques. The successful collaboration between radiologists and surgeons facilitated a timely and accurate diagnosis, enabling a minimally invasive surgical approach. This case contributes to the understanding of atypical presentations of diverticulitis and emphasizes the significance of interdisciplinary teamwork in managing such rare manifestations.

2020 update of the WSES guidelines for the management of acute colonic diverticulitis in the emergency setting

Acute colonic diverticulitis is one of the most common clinical conditions encountered by surgeons in the acute setting. An international multidisciplinary panel of experts from the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) updated its guidelines for management of acute left-sided colonic diverticulitis (ALCD) according to the most recent available literature. The update includes recent changes introduced in the management of ALCD. The new update has been further integrated with advances in acute right-sided colonic diverticulitis (ARCD) that is more common than ALCD in select regions of the world.

Mediastinal, retroperitoneal, and subcutaneous emphysema due to sigmoid colon penetration: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema usually result from spontaneous rupture of the alveolar wall. We present an extremely rare case of massive mediastinal, retroperitoneal, and subcutaneous emphysema due to the penetration of the colon into the mesentery.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 57-year-old man presented to our institution with a history of chest pain. The patient's medical history included malignant rheumatoid arthritis during the use of steroids and an immunosuppressive agent. The patient had no signs of peritoneal irritation or abdominal pain. A chest radiography revealed subcutaneous emphysema of the neck, mediastinal emphysema, as well as subdiaphragmatic free air. Computed tomography showed extensive retroperitoneal, mediastinal, and mesenteric emphysema of the sigmoid colon without pneumothorax. Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed and revealed perforation into the sigmoid mesentery. Segmental resection of the sigmoid colon and end-colostomy were performed. The diverticulum was communicating with the outside of the mesentery via the mesentery. The mediastinal emphysema disappeared a few days after the surgery.

DISCUSSION

Colonic perforation generally results in free perforation. Colonic gas may spread via various anatomical pathways when perforation of the colon occurs in the retroperitoneum; thus, diverse atypical clinical symptoms may be present. Signs of peritoneal irritation can be hidden in cases of retroperitoneal colonic perforation. The atypical manifestation of a retroperitoneal colonic perforation can cause difficulties in making a diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Massive mediastinal and retroperitoneum emphysema are rare signs of colonic perforation. Emergency laparotomy should be considered in colonic penetration of the diverticulitis where the emphysema expands to the mediastinum extensively.

Necrotizing fasciitis of the lower extremity caused by perforated sigmoid diverticulitis-a case report

Diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon is a common condition and occurs more often in elderly patients. A well-known complication is infection or even perforation which often requires surgery. Necrotizing fasciitis as a complication of perforated diverticulitis is very rare. Here, we present a case of a covered perforated diverticulitis in an immunosuppressed patient leading to life-threatening necrotizing fasciitis requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Either hematogenous or local dissemination via the inguinal canal seemed the most probable mechanism of leg infection leading to hip articulation.

Diverticular colovesical fistula: What should we really be doing?

BACKGROUND

Colovesical fistula secondary to diverticular disease is increasing in incidence. Presentation and severity may differ, but a common management strategy may be applied. The aim of this study is to evaluate the characteristics and perioperative management of patients with colovesical fistulae and determine optimal management.

METHODS

From 2003 to 2012, all charts of surgical patients with diverticular colovesical fistulae at two different institutions were reviewed. Patient and presentation characteristics and perioperative management and outcomes were recorded. Patient groups with early and late catheter removal (< 8 and ≥ 8 days) were compared with significance level set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight patient charts were reviewed. The mean duration of symptoms was 7.5 months. Laparoscopic assisted surgery was carried out in 35% of patients. Complex bladder repair was performed in 27%. Mean length of stay was 8 days. Mean urinary catheter duration was 13 days. Seventy percent of patients underwent postoperative cystogram, with 4% positive for extravasation. Patients with early catheter removal were significantly older, more likely to have received intraoperative methylene blue instillation, and less likely to have had a complex bladder repair (p < 0.05). Complication rate, length of stay, postoperative cystography, and stent use were similar for both catheter removal groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative methylene blue bladder instillation should be utilized to limit unnecessary bladder repairs. In the setting of negative methylene blue extravasation, surgeons may confidently remove urinary catheters in 7 days or less, in some cases as early as 48 h. In complex bladder repairs, cystogram is still an important adjunct, with those patients with negative studies benefiting from catheter removal at 7 days or less.

Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Thigh and Calf: A Reminder to Exclude a Perforated Intra-Abdominal Viscus: A Case Report

CASE

Diverticular disease and its associated complications are an increasing problem among Western populations. Perforated diverticulitis results in intra-abdominal sepsis, which rarely causes a life-threatening necrotizing soft-tissue infection. We present the case of a 70-year-old man with a sigmoid diverticulitis perforation presenting as necrotizing fasciitis of the thigh and calf requiring serial debridement and major limb reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should be aware of index presentations of diverticulitis and its recognized complications in this demographic group. For the orthopaedic and the general surgeon, knowledge of the dangers of the concomitant presence of these 2 conditions will substantially reduce morbidity and mortality.

WSES Guidelines for the management of acute left sided colonic diverticulitis in the emergency setting

Acute left sided colonic diverticulitis is one of the most common clinical conditions encountered by surgeons in acute setting. A World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) Consensus Conference on acute diverticulitis was held during the 3rd World Congress of the WSES in Jerusalem, Israel, on July 7th, 2015. During this consensus conference the guidelines for the management of acute left sided colonic diverticulitis in the emergency setting were presented and discussed. This document represents the executive summary of the final guidelines approved by the consensus conference.

Toxic Megacolon and Acute Ischemia of the Colon due to Sigmoid Stenosis Related to Diverticulitis

We present a rare case of toxic megacolon accompanied by necrosis of the colon due to chronic dilation caused by stenosis of the sigmoid colon as a complication of diverticulitis. The patient presented at the emergency department with diffuse abdominal pain, fever (38.8°C) and tachycardia (120 beats/min). Physical examination revealed distension and tenderness on deep palpation on the left lower quadrant without peritoneal signs. Abdominal computed tomography showed located stenosis in the sigmoid colon and marked dilation of the descending (12 cm diameter) and transverse (7.5 cm diameter) colon. A few hours later, the patient developed severe septic shock with electrolyte abnormalities. He had a history of two prior admissions to our hospital due to crises of acute diverticulitis. Based on Jalan's criteria the diagnosis was compatible with toxic megacolon. The patient's condition deteriorated suddenly and an emergency colectomy was performed. The operative findings revealed a necrotic colon. Histology examination confirmed the diagnosis of ischemia of the colon. To our knowledge this is the first published report in the literature which refers to a rare complication of diverticulitis, namely chronic stenosis which complicated to colonic ischemia and toxic megacolon.

Right-sided perforated ascending colonic diverticulum mimicking acute appendicitis

Perforation of the colonic diverticulum is a common reason for emergency laparotomy, especially in older people but is rare in the younger population. While perforation of the sigmoid diverticulum is very common, perforation of the ascending colonic diverticulum is a very rare event. For this reason, the divereticulitis is usually discovered unexpectedly at surgery for suspected appendicitis.

Surgical treatment of acute recurrent diverticulitis: early elective or late elective surgery. An analysis of 237 patients

BACKGROUND

The optimal timing of elective surgery in diverticulitis remains unclear. We attempted to investigate early elective versus late elective laparoscopic surgery in acute recurrent diverticulitis in a retrospective study.

METHOD

Data of patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery for diverticulitis were retrospectively gathered, including Hinchey stages I-II a/b. the primary endpoint was in-hospital complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Secondary endpoints were surgical complications, operative time, conversion rate, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Of 237 patients, 81 (34%) underwent early elective operation (group A) and 156 (66%) underwent late elective operation (group B). In-hospital complications developed in 32% in group A and in 34% in group B (risk difference 2%, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): -11%, 14%). Higher age (p = 0.048) and borderline higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score (p = 0.056) were risk factors for in-hospital complications. Severe surgical complications occurred in 9% of patients in group A and 10% in group B (risk difference 2%, 95% CI: -6%, 9%). Conversion rate was 9% in group A and 3% in group B (p = 0.070). Severity of disease did not seem to have an impact on complications or length of hospital stay. The median postoperative hospital stay was 8 days in both groups (interquartile range 6-10). Mean operative time was 220 min (SD 64) in group A and 202 min (SD 48) in group B.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study comparing early versus late elective surgery for diverticulitis in terms of the postoperative outcome using a validated classification. Although the retrospective setting and large confidence intervals don't allow definitive recommendations, these results are of utmost importance for the design of future prospective, randomized controlled trials.

Impact of early or delayed elective resection in complicated diverticulitis

AIM: To investigate the outcomes of early and delayed elective resection after initial antibiotic treatment in patients with complicated diverticulitis.

METHODS: The study, a non-randomized comparison of the two approaches, included 421 consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection for complicated sigmoid diverticulitis (Hinchey classification I-II) at the Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf between 2004 and 2009. The operating procedure, duration of hospital and intensive care unit stay, outcome, complications and socioeconomic costs were analyzed, with comparison made between the early and delayed elective resection strategies.

RESULTS: The severity of the diverticulitis and American Society of Anesthesiologists score were comparable for the two groups. Patients who underwent delayed elective resection had a shorter hospital stay and operating time, and the rate of successfully completed laparoscopic resections was higher (80% vs 75%). Eight patients who were scheduled for delayed elective resection required urgent surgery because of complications of the diverticulitis, which resulted in a high rate of morbidity. Analysis of the socioeconomic effects showed that hospitalization costs were significantly higher for delayed elective resection compared with early elective resection (9296 €± 694 € vs 8423 €± 968 €; P = 0.001). Delayed elective resection showed a trend toward lower complications, and the operation appeared simpler to perform than early elective resection. Nevertheless, delayed elective resection carries a risk of complications occurring during the period of 6-8 wk that could necessitate an urgent resection with its consequent high morbidity, which counterbalanced many of the advantages.

CONCLUSION: Overall, early elective resection for complicated, non-perforated diverticulitis is shown to be a suitable alternative to delayed elective resection after 6-8 wk, with additional beneficial socioeconomic effects.

Pneumomediastinum caused by colonic diverticulitis perforation

A 59-year-old man presented with abdominal and left flank pain. The symptom had started 30 days before as an acute nephrolithiasis, which had worsened despite conservative management. The abdomen was slightly distended and tender over the lower abdomen, without signs of generalized peritoneal irritation. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed an abscess in left para-renal space up to the subphrenic space and an unexpected pneumomediastinum. An emergency operation was performed, which showed retroperitoneal diverticulitis perforation of the sigmoid descending junction with abscess formation. A segmental resection of the diseased colon and end-colostomy was performed (Hartmann's procedure). However, the patient's condition progressively deteriorated, and he died of sepsis and multi-organ failure on the 5th postoperative day. Although pneumomediastinum caused by colonic diverticulitis perforation is extremely rare, it could be a life-threatening condition in patients without signs of peritonitis because of delayed diagnosis.

Features and management of colonic diverticular disease

Diverticular disease is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal conditions to afflict Western populations. Although the majority of patients with diverticulosis remain asymptomatic, about one third will develop symptoms at some point in their lives. Symptomatic diverticular disease can range from chronic mild gastrointestinal distress to acute bouts of diverticulitis complicated by abscess or frank colonic perforation. The mainstay of treatment of symptomatic diverticular disease has long been bowel rest, antibiotics, and pain control, reserving surgery for those with complicated disease. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of the spectrum of diverticular disease, including recent advances in the treatment of chronic diverticular disease.

Damage control with abdominal vacuum therapy (VAC) to manage perforated diverticulitis with advanced generalized peritonitis--a proof of concept

PURPOSE

Perforated diverticulitis with advanced generalized peritonitis is a life-threatening condition requiring emergency operation. To reduce the rate of colostomy formation, a new treatment algorithm with damage control operation, lavage, limited closure of perforation, abdominal vacuum-assisted closure (VAC; V.A.C.), and second look to restore intestinal continuity was developed.

METHODS

This algorithm allowed for three surgical procedures: primary anastomosis +/- VAC in stable patients (group I), but damage control with lavage, limited resection of the diseased colonic segment, VAC and second-look operation with delayed anastomosis in patients with advanced peritonitis or septic shock (group II), and Hartmann procedure was done for social reasons in stable patients (group III) RESULTS: All 27 consecutive patients (16 women; median age 68 years) requiring emergency laparotomy for perforated diverticulitis (Hinchey III/IV) between October 2006 and September 2008 were prospectively enrolled in the study. No major complications were observed in group I (n = 6). Nine patients in group II (n = 15) had intestinal continuity restored during a second-look operation, of whom one patient developed anastomotic leakage. The median length of stay at intensive care unit was 5 days. Considering an overall mortality rate of 26% (n = 7), the rate of anastomosis in surviving patients was 70%.

CONCLUSIONS

Damage control with lavage, limited bowel resection, VAC, and scheduled second-look operation represents a feasible strategy in patients with perforated diverticulitis (Hinchey III and IV) to enhance sepsis control and improve rate of anastomosis.

Emergency management of diverticulitis

The most common indications for emergency operative intervention in the treatment of sigmoid diverticulitis are peritonitis and failure of medical therapy. Primary resection and diversion (Hartmann's procedure) followed by delayed colostomy closure is the current standard of emergency surgical care. Guidelines for best operative strategy, however, remain controversial and continue to evolve based on recent comparative reviews of surgical outcomes. Primary resection and anastomosis with or without proximal diversion and laparoscopic lavage are alternatives to Hartmann's procedure that may provide an improved outcome in properly selected patients. Ongoing changes in the historical paradigm of the surgical approach to this disease mandate the need for large multicentered prospective randomized trials to determine the best surgical strategy under emergent conditions for the treatment of diverticulitis. The current literature is reviewed with suggestions for a management algorithm.

Laparoscopic Hartmann's procedure: a viable option for treatment of acutely perforated diverticultis

BACKGROUND

A laparoscopic technique for acutely perforated diverticulitis (i.e., laparoscopic Hartmann's procedure) has not been described. The authors present their technique for laparoscopic sigmoid resection, end colostomy, and subsequent laparoscopic takedown of colostomy.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with Hinchey III/IV diverticulitis who underwent a laparoscopic Hartmann's procedure was performed in this study. Laparoscopic takedown of sigmoid colostomy was performed 2 to 3 months later. Data from these procedures including estimated blood loss (EBL), length of the operative procedure, patient outcomes, and demographics were evaluated.

RESULTS

Seven patients with a mean age of 49.7 years underwent laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy with end colostomy. None of these patients had a history of diverticulitis. Their mean EBL was 138 ml, and their mean operative time was 154 min. None of the procedures required conversion to use of a hand port or conversion to open procedure. The average time to return of bowel function was 3.7 days, with one patient experiencing a postoperative ileus. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.6 days. There were no complications. Laparoscopic Hartmann's takedown was performed for all the patients approximately 2 to 3 months later. The mean EBL was 107 ml, and the average operative time was 189 min. One patient had intraoperative anastomotic leak, which was successfully repaired and retested. Again, none of the procedures required the use of a hand port or a laparotomy. The average time to return of bowel function was 3.4 days. The average length of hospital stay was 5.3 days, with one patient experiencing a fat necrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic Hartmann's procedure and laparoscopic takedown are technically feasible procedures with reasonable outcomes.

Conservative management of complex diverticular disease causing a retroperitoneal perforation

Diverticular disease is very common and may cause symptoms of psoas irritation because of contiguous inflammation arising from the colon affecting the retroperitoneum. Retroperitoneal perforation is rare and is marked by free gas in the adjacent musculature. Rarely infection and associated gas may track into the lower limbs; however, if adequate drainage can be achieved, surgery in the unfit may be avoided. We present a case of a 79-year-old woman with retroperitoneal perforation of diverticular disease presenting with free gas in the leg musculature that was managed conservatively because of associated comorbidities and was associated with the formation of a cutaneous faecal fistula in the lower limb.

Diverticular disease and diverticulitis

Diverticular disease is one of the most prevalent medical conditions to affect Western populations. Symptomatic diverticular disease can range from mild, low-level symptomatology similar to that seen in irritable bowel syndrome to acute bouts of diverticulitis complicated by abscess or frank perforation. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of the spectrum of diverticular disease, including mention of recent advances in the treatment of chronic diverticular disease with aminosalicyclates and probiotics.

Perforated diverticulitis presenting as necrotising fasciitis of the leg

Diverticulosis of the colon is a common condition of increasing age. Complications of diverticulitis including stricture, perforation and fistula formation often require surgery. Perforated diverticulitis may rarely present with spreading superficial sepsis. We describe for the first time, to our knowledge, a case of retroperitoneal diverticula perforation presenting as necrotising fasciitis of the leg necessitating hind-quarter amputation.