Abstract

Lucy Dale and Darren J. Porter*

ABSTRACT

Diverticular disease refers to a range of conditions affecting the large bowel. Diverticular disease refers to “outpouchings” forming within the lumen of the colon, these out-pouchings are areas of weakness within the bowel wall. The aetiologically of these areas of weakness in the colon is thought to be multifactorial, with both environmental and genetic factors playing a part. Whilst a large proportion of patients with diverticular disease are asymptomatic, 20% of patients experience symptoms. The prevalence of diverticular disease dramatically increases with age, with >60% of people over the age of 80 thought to be affected. Inflammation of the diverticular outpouchings, also known as diverticulitis. In this case report, we present a complex case of severe diverticulosis. We review the literature regarding the appropriate management of diverticular disease, and in addition we review a severe and uncommon post-operative complication relating to the use of the rectus sheath catheter.