[Perforated duodenal diverticulum].

Abstract

Diverticular disease of the duodenum is uncommon. Perforation is the least frequent complication. Diagnosis and treatment are not well defined as the presentation and symptomatology are nonspecific. Diagnostic delay carries high rates of postoperative mortality (30%). Early diagnosis is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. We present the case of a male patient with perforated duodenal diverticulum. This case suggests that computed tomography can be highly useful in the preoperative diagnosis of this entity. Treatment consisted of duodenal exclusion and retroperitoneal drainage.