Abstract
Diverticulitis of the rectum is a rare condition. This report covers patient history, diagnosis, and treatment involved in such a case. The patient presented with a history of rectal pain and muscle spasm of six months' duration. After several available examinations had been completed, i.e., digital examination, sigmoidoscopy, and barium-enema examination, the diagnosis of a rectal diverticulum was made. Initially, conservative treatment, including high-fiber diet and sitz baths, proved effective. Approximately nine months later, the patient developed severe rectal pain, unrelieved by previously effective measures. After the above-described examinations had been repeated, the rectal wall was found to be ulcerated and inflamed, and a diagnosis of diverticulitis of the rectum was made. Antibiotic therapy and evacuation of the 3- to 4-cm mass under anesthesia resulted in subsidence of symptoms and resolution of the mass. Segmental resection will be considered if the diverticulum becomes infected again.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 59-60 |
Number of pages | 2 |
Journal | Diseases of the Colon & Rectum |
Volume | 26 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 1983 |
Keywords
- Diverticulitis, rectal
- Diverticulosis, rectal
- Rectal-wall abscess
- Rectum
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Gastroenterology