Intestinal Perforation Secondary to Multiple Jejunal Diverticula: Case Report

Abstract

Small bowel diverticulosis is a rare condition, with an incidence ranging between 0.3% and 1.3% in the general population. Although it is typically asymptomatic, it can lead to severe complications such as perforation, diverticulitis, bleeding, and intestinal obstruction. These cases require rapid and accurate diagnostic evaluation, with computed tomography and ultrasound being essential due to the lack of established diagnostic protocols. We present the case of a 61-year-old woman with a history of colonic diverticulosis, who developed abdominal pain, fever, melena, and septic shock. Imaging revealed an intestinal perforation, confirmed by exploratory laparotomy, which identified jejunal diverticulosis with perforation. A resection of 90 cm of the small intestine was performed with a primary anastomosis. The patient recovered well in the intensive care unit. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and surgical intervention in small bowel diverticulosis complications, a condition that, though uncommon, can be potentially serious.