Giant diverticular of the sigmoid colon: a review of differential diagnosis and operative management
J. J. Gallagher and J. P. Welch
Giant sigmoid diverticula ("giant gas cysts," "giant sigmoid cysts") are an
unusual complication of diverticulitis. We have recently seen two patients
with such lesions, bringing the total number of reported cases to 48. Most
patients are elderly and complain of abdominal pain or the presence of an
abdominal mass. Air trapping by a ball-valve mechanism may be responsible
for formation of the fibrous cysts. The gas-filled structures can usually
be differentiated from other conditions by contrast studies. Excision of
the cyst and adjacent colon with anastomosis can usually be accomplished
safely under elective circumstances.
