Laparascopic sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease in a patient with situs inversus

Abstract

We present the case of a 50-year-old man with situs inversus who underwent laprascopic colonic resection for diverticulitis. The patient, who had right-sided pain due to inversion of the viscera mimicking appendicitis, initially presented a diagnostic challenge. A barium meal confirmed situs inversus and the diagnosis of diverticulitis. We present an overview of the operative technique of what is the first documented laparoscopic colectemy in a patient with situs inversus. We then discuss the benefits of the laproscopic approach to colectomy, with reference to this interesting case with unusual anatomy.