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Rectal diverticulitis mimicking rectal carcinoma with intestinal obstruction: case report
Ümit Özçelik1, Hüseyin Yüce Bircan, Eryiğit Eren
1Department of General Surgery, Başkent University Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey. dr_umit_ozcelik@yahoo.com.
Summary
Rectal diverticula are rare, with symptomatic cases even rarer. This report details a rare case of rectal diverticulitis mimicking rectal cancer, requiring surgical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Surgery
Background:
- Diverticular disease of the colon is prevalent.
- Rectal diverticula are exceptionally rare, with limited documented cases since 1911.
Observation:
- A 63-year-old female patient presented with symptoms suggestive of intestinal obstruction.
- Clinical and imaging findings mimicked rectal carcinoma.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with a symptomatic rectal diverticulum.
- The condition presented as rectal diverticulitis, closely resembling rectal cancer.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses like rectal diverticulitis in the differential for obstructive rectal symptoms.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management, potentially avoiding unnecessary radical surgery.
