Giant sigmoid diverticulum as a lump in left iliac fossa: A rare presentation

Abstract

Diverticulosis of the colon is a common clinical entity affecting 35% of individuals over the age of 65 years. It is usually limited to the sigmoid colon. When a colonic diverticulum enlarges to over 4 cm in diameter, it is defined as a giant colonic diverticulum (GCD) and it is a rare manifestation of colonic diverticulosis. There have been fewer than 200 cases reported worldwide since GCD was first described in 1946. GCD can be complicated by volvulus, bowel obstruction, perforation, abscess formation, sepsis, and rectal bleeding. Here, we report a case of a 76-year-old female presenting to the emergency department with features of acute colonic obstruction and having a large palpable mass in the left iliac fossa which was diagnosed to be a GCD. She underwent prompt surgical resection of sigmoid colon with en bloc excision of GCD and had uneventful postoperative recovery.