Case report reveals sigmoid diverticular stricture causing bowel obstruction, suggesting rare but severe complications.
The most prevalent type of colonic diverticulum is sigmoid diverticulosis. Nevertheless, complications such as stricture formation, potentially leading to intestinal obstruction, are quite rare. Another uncommon consequence is perforation, which can, in exceptional cases, result in necrotizing fasciitis; however, spread to distant fascial planes is extremely unusual. We present a remarkable case of a 61-year-old man who presented with sigmoid diverticular stricture causing large bowel obstruction and perforation. This resulted in extensive necrotizing fasciitis tracking from the retroperitoneum through the chest and into the cervical region. Despite the severity, the patient survived after undergoing an emergency laparotomy, total colectomy, serial debridements, and negative pressure wound therapy. This case highlights a unique complication of diverticular disease with an exceptionally favorable outcome.
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Shiraz et al. (2025) studied this question.
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