Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
05:30
Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy for Remnant Gastric Cancer
Published on: October 31, 2025
Multiple giant diverticula of the foregut causing upper gastrointestinal obstruction
Genoveffa Balducci1, Mario Dente, Giulia Cosenza
1Departments of Surgery II School of Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035-39, Rome 00189, Italy.
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|May 29, 2008
Summary
Small bowel diverticulosis is a rare condition, often diagnosed late due to non-specific symptoms. This case highlights multiple jejunal diverticula causing chronic intestinal obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Small bowel diverticulosis is an uncommon condition, frequently misdiagnosed due to nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Diagnosis is often incidental, occurring during the investigation of complications like diverticulitis, hemorrhage, perforation, or obstruction.
Observation:
- The case involves multiple jejunal diverticula.
- These diverticula led to chronic gastrointestinal obstruction.
Findings:
- Multiple jejunal diverticula can present as a cause of chronic intestinal obstruction.
- This contrasts with the more common causes of obstruction such as inflammatory stenosis, volvulus, intussusception, or bezoars.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of small bowel diverticulosis is needed for earlier diagnosis.
- Consideration of jejunal diverticula in the differential diagnosis of chronic gastrointestinal obstruction is crucial for appropriate patient management.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Diverticular Disease of the Colon
Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...
01:07Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
01:11Pyloric Obstruction
Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...
01:29Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
01:19Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
01:24Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
Esophageal varices are dilated, tortuous veins which are found mainly in the submucosa of the lower esophagus but which may also appear higher up or extend into the stomach. They develop due to increased pressure in the portal venous system, often as a result of liver cirrhosis. This condition scars and damages the liver, impeding normal blood flow through the portal vein. To compensate, blood seeks alternative pathways, forming fragile new vessels (varices) in the esophagus and stomach. These...