Jejunal Diverticular Disease and Clinical Management

Jejunal diverticular disease encompasses acquired outpouchings of the small intestine wall, most often located on the mesenteric side of the jejunum. Although frequently asymptomatic, these diverticula may give rise to chronic symptoms such as bloating, malabsorption and intermittent abdominal discomfort. Complications include diverticulitis, perforation, haemorrhage and intestinal obstruction, each carrying significant morbidity and mortality when diagnosis is delayed. Clinical presentation is variable and may mimic more common acute abdominal conditions. Diagnosis relies primarily on imaging, with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) emerging as the modality of choice to identify diverticular sacs, wall thickening and associated inflammatory changes or free intra-abdominal air. Management spans conservative measures—such as bowel rest, intravenous fluids and broad-spectrum antibiotics—for uncomplicated inflammation, to urgent surgical intervention for perforation, uncontrolled bleeding or obstruction. When surgery is indicated, segmental resection with primary anastomosis remains the standard approach. Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly adopted for selected cases. Early recognition and tailored treatment planning are essential to improve outcomes, particularly in elderly patients who often present with multiple comorbidities.

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Jejunal Diverticular Disease and Clinical Management publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in jejunal diverticular disease and clinical management across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Jejunal diverticulum: An acquired pouch in the jejunal wall where mucosa and submucosa herniate through the muscular layer.

Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of a diverticulum, often presenting with pain, fever and leukocytosis.

Computed tomography angiography (CTA): A contrast-enhanced CT technique used to detect active bleeding and vascular anatomy.

Segmental resection: Surgical removal of a defined portion of the jejunum containing diseased tissue.

Primary anastomosis: Direct surgical reconnection of the remaining bowel ends after resection.

References

1. Perforated jejunal diverticulitis: a rare but important differential in the acute abdomen. Surgical Case Reports (2020).
2. Jejuno-ileal diverticulitis: A disorder not to underestimate. International Journal of Surgery Case Reports (2019).
3. Small bowel diverticula in elderly patients: a case report and review article. BMC Surgery (2022).
4. Total laparoscopic management of large complicated jejunal diverticulum. Journal of Minimal Access Surgery (2009).