Colonic diverticulitis in the neck: a late complication of laryngopharyngectomy surgery

Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2010 Sep;92(6):W11-3. doi: 10.1308/147870810X12699662981032. Epub 2010 Jun 23.

Abstract

We report a case of diverticulitis affecting a colonic segment used as an interposition graft following laryngopharyngectomy. The patient presented as an emergency to our department with a history of a red, swollen and painful neck. She had undergone laryngopharyngectomy for laryngeal cancer in 1967. Computed tomography imaging revealed several diverticula in the colonic graft and associated abscess formation. The patient's clinical condition behaved similarly to that of conventional colonic diverticulitis. The difficulties in reaching a definite diagnosis and management of this unusual complication following laryngopharyngectomy are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Colon / transplantation*
  • Diverticulitis, Colonic / diagnostic imaging
  • Diverticulitis, Colonic / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Laryngectomy / adverse effects
  • Neck*
  • Pharyngectomy / adverse effects
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed