Perforated sigmoid colon in the setting of chicken bone ingestion and diverticulitis: A case report

Abstract

Introduction Diverticular perforation due to foreign body ingestion is an uncommon but important cause of gastrointestinal tract injury. The aim of this study is to discuss relevant findings seen in diverticulitis caused by foreign bodies and its treatment. Case presentation In this report, we present a case of a 30-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with two days of severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. Computed tomography of the patient's abdomen and pelvis revealed micro-perforations of the sigmoid colon with pneumoperitoneum and an intraluminal foreign body. She subsequently underwent an exploratory laparotomy with sigmoid resection and end-to-end anastomosis due to acute diverticulitis complicated by feculent peritonitis. Gross examination of the excised specimen revealed two large perforations and an intraluminal chicken bone. After a six-day hospitalization, the patient was discharged with an excellent prognosis. Discussion and conclusion Prompt radiological evaluation and classification of the degree of diverticulitis using the Hinchey classification system in this patient helped guide definitive treatment. Usage of this classification scheme in foreign body diverticulitis is valuable in determining whether a surgical or non-surgical approach is necessary.

Silent Pneumoperitoneum in a Major Burn Earthquake Survivor: Sigmoid Diverticular Perforation.

“…It is a well-known fact that major burn trauma triggers multiple organ hypoperfusion and can lead to ulcerations in the upper gastrointestinal system.1 While sigmoid colon diverticula are present in the majority of adults, only about 4% of cases manifest as diverticulitis, abscess formation, or perforation. 2 Perforation of hollow organs is not commonly seen in blunt abdominal trauma cases. 3 This study presents a case of a patient who experienced a 15% total body surface area (TBSA) burn due to hot water spillage during the 2023 earthquake in Maraş, Turkey.…”