[Jejunal diverticulosis. Presentation of a clinical case]

Abstract

Jejunal diverticulosis is a rare and often asymptomatic disease, generally presenting as an occasional finding during laparotomy for other diseases. There are no established criteria for the treatment of such diverticula. Due to the possible onset of acute complications, surgical management must be considered. Personal experience on a case of jejunal diverticulosis in a woman who presented with acute complications of surgical peritoneal adhesions is described. Through examinations of small intestine discovered many diverticula, mainly in the mesenteric side; two diverticula were particularly large. Even though there appeared to be no symptoms due to the diverticula, major diverticula were considered at risk for acute complications. Because their reduction was not easily achievable, they were resected and enterotomies were stitched. Postoperative course was uneventful and after 2 years the patient is alive and well. Features of this rare entity are analyzed with regard to data reported in the literature, with special reference to some pathogenetic theories.