Giant colonic diverticulum: a rare manifestation of a common disease

Giant colonic diverticulum is a rare manifestation of a common disease primarily affecting patients over the age of 50 years. We reviewed all 81 cases of giant colonic diverticulum reported in the medical literature and present herein an additional case in a younger patient. Published reports were summarized with regard to current epidemiology, clinical aspects, diagnosis, pathogenesis, treatment, and complications. Giant colonic diverticulum can present as an acute, chronic, or incidental condition, or with complications. There are several suggested theories for the pathogenesis of giant colonic diverticulum, but none is universally satisfactory. A diagnosis can be made with plain films, barium enema, and CT scans. A combination of sigmoid resection and primary anastomosis was successful in 75% of the cases reported after the mid-1970s. More than 90% of giant colonic diverticula are found in the sigmoid colon. Sigmoid resection with primary anastomosis is the preferred treatment, although patients presenting with complications typically should be treated with Hartmann's procedure for free perforation or percutaneous drainage for a localized abscess. Because of the high risk of complications, we recommend segmental resection of the involved colon for those found incidentally.