• Ker-Kan Tan, Jody Zhiyang Liu, and Choon-Kiat Ho.
• Digestive Disease Centre, Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. kerkan@gmail.com
• ANZ J Surg. 2011 May 1; 81 (5): 358-61.

BackgroundJejunal diverticulosis is a rare entity and is often asymptomatic. However, some of its complications may require acute surgical intervention. This study was performed to evaluate the presentation and outcome of patients who underwent urgent surgery for complicated jejunal diverticulosis.MethodsA retrospective review of all patients who underwent emergency surgery for complicated jejunal diverticulosis from November 2005 to December 2008 was performed.ResultsSix cases of complicated jejunal diverticulosis required urgent surgery during the study period. Three patients presented with acute abdomen from perforated jejunal diverticulum. Preoperative computed tomographic (CT) scans were useful in localizing the source of sepsis. One patient died from the subsequent complications. The other three patients presented with massive lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage for which CT angiography was able to localize the source of haemorrhage in two of them. Small bowel resection was then performed and all three were discharged well eventually.ConclusionThough rare, jejunal diverticulosis can present with several life-threatening complications that mandates immediate surgery. While the surgical procedure may be technically simple, achieving the accurate preoperative diagnosis is often fraught with challenges. CT scan could prove invaluable in the management if the situation permits.© 2010 The Authors. ANZ Journal of Surgery © 2010 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

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