Education and imaging. Gastroenterology: Juxtapapillary diverticulum perforation after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Iatrogenic duodenal diverticulum perforation: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Duodenal diverticulum occurs in approximately 20% of the population and can lead to life-threatening complications such as perforation. Most perforations are secondary to diverticulitis, with iatrogenic causes being exceptionally rare. This systematic review explores the aetiology, prevention and outcomes of iatrogenic perforation of duodenal diverticulum.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Four databases were searched, including Pubmed, Medline, Scopus and Embase. The primary data extracted were clinical findings, type of procedure, prevention and management of perforation and outcomes.

RESULTS

Forty-six studies were identified, of which 14 articles met inclusion criteria and comprised 19 cases of iatrogenic duodenal diverticulum perforation. Four cases identified duodenal diverticulum pre-intervention, nine were identified peri-intervention, and the remainder were identified post-intervention. Perforation secondary to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (n = 8) was most common, followed by open and laparoscopic surgery (n = 5), gastroduodenoscopy (n = 4) and other (n = 2). Operative management with diverticulectomy was the most frequent treatment (63%). Iatrogenic perforation was associated with 50% morbidity and 10% mortality.

CONCLUSION

Iatrogenic perforation of duodenal diverticulum is exceptionally rare and associated with high morbidity and mortality. There are limited guidelines surrounding standard perioperative steps to prevent iatrogenic perforations. A review of preoperative imaging helps identify potential aberrant anatomy, such as a duodenal diverticulum, to allow for recognition and prompt management initiation in the event of perforation. Intraoperative recognition and immediate surgical repair are safe options for this complication.

Iatrogenic duodenal diverticular perforation during a right laparoscopic nephroureterectomy: a rare complication

Duodenal diverticulum perforation is a rare and life-threatening pathology. Perforation secondary to iatrogenic causes is rare, with only 14 cases previously reported. This paper explores a world-first case report on iatrogenic duodenal diverticulum perforation during right laparoscopic nephroureterectomy and a systematic review of all reported cases of duodenal diverticulum perforation in the literature.

A systematic review of the perforated duodenal diverticula: lessons learned from the last decade

Background

The perforated duodenal diverticulum remains a rare clinical entity, the optimal management of which has not been well established. Historically, primary surgery has been the preferred treatment modality. This was called into question during the last decade, with the successful application of non-operative therapy in selected patients. The aim of this systematic review is to identify cases of perforated duodenal diverticula published over the past decade and to assess any subsequent evolution in treatment.

Methods

A systematic review of English and non-English articles reporting on perforated duodenal diverticula using MEDLINE (2008–2020) was performed. Only cases of perforated duodenal diverticula in adults (> 18 years) that reported on diagnosis and treatment were included.

Results

Some 328 studies were identified, of which 31 articles met the inclusion criteria. These studies included a total of 47 patients with perforated duodenal diverticula. This series suggests a trend towards conservative management with 34% (16/47) of patients managed non-operatively. In 31% (5/16) patients initially managed conservatively, a step-up approach to surgical intervention was required.

Conclusion

Conservative treatment of perforated duodenal diverticula appears to be an acceptable and safe treatment strategy in stable patients without signs of peritonitis under careful observation. For patients who fail to respond to conservative treatment, a step-up approach to percutaneous drainage or surgery can be applied. If surgery is required, competence in techniques ranging from simple diverticulectomy to Roux-en-Y gastric diversion or even Whipple’s procedure may be required depending on tissue friability and diverticular collar size.

Assessment of Duodenal Diverticula: Computed Tomography Findings

AIMS

To demonstrate the prevalence, accompanying pathologies, imaging and follow up findings of Duodenal Diverticula (DD) with Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive 2910 abdominal MDCTs were retrospectively reviewed on axial, coronal and sagittal planes. DD were evaluated for prevalence, location, number, size, contents, diverticular neck, accompanying pancreaticobiliary pathologies, jejunal and colonic diverticula, respectively.

RESULTS

DD were diagnosed in 157 cases (5.4%) and found mostly in the second part of the duodenum. Juxta-ampullary DD was the most common type (78.3%) and mostly located ventral (n:86, 69.9%) to the ampulla of Vater. DD was solitary in 123 patients (78.3%) and more than one in 34 patients (21.7%). The median diameter of DD was 2.5 cm (range 1.5-3.6 cm) in the long-axis. The lumen of DD contains air and contrast agent (n:96, 61.1%); air, contrast agent and debris (n:42, 26.7%) in most cases. Colonic diverticula (n:36, 22.9%), cholelithiasis (n:32, 20.4%), choledocholithiasis (n:7, 4.4%), and biliary dilatation (n:8, 5.1%) were the most common additional findings. Median follow-up time was 23 months (range 11 to 41 months). In three cases, new findings (cholelithiasis, n:3, choledocholithiasis, n:1) were detected.

CONCLUSION

Accompanying pathologies with DD diagnosis are valuable for physicians in order to manage the patients. Following clinical and radiological features of well-diagnosed DD might reduce the possible complications.