Sigmoid Diverticular Perforation in a 23-year-old Patient: A Case Report

Introduction: Diverticulitis is inflammation of one or more adjacent diverticulums and the surrounding colon. Patients with diverticulitis typically present with acute or subacute abdominal pain in the left lower quadrant. Most patients are over 50; however, the disease is increasingly common in the younger. Diverticulitis may present with an acute abdomen by causing intra-abdominal perforation. Although it is infrequent, diverticulitis perforation should be considered when diagnosing young patients with acute abdomen.Case Presentation: We present the case of a 23-year-old male with an acute abdomen secondary to diverticulitis perforation. The patient’s physical examination and computed tomography scan were interpreted as perforation. We performed explorative laparotomy. During the operation, the stomach and other lumen organs were intact. There were diverticula in the sigmoid colon, intense inflammation in the colon serosa in the region of the diverticula, and a perforation area of 1 cm in diameter.Conclusion: Diverticulitis usually presents with abdominal pain in the left lower quadrant of the elderly patient. However, it may present with an acute abdomen by causing intra-abdominal perforation. Although it is infrequent, diverticulitis perforation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of young patients presenting with acute abdomen.