Diverticular disease of the colon in Calabar, Nigeria: A case report and review of the African literature

Abstract

Diverticular disease of the colon, though common in the western world, was thought to be rare in sub-Saharan Africa. Studies have however shown that it may not be uncommon in Nigeria. This is a case report of a 61-year-old male patient who presented with rectal bleeding in Calabar, South-South Nigeria. Clinical examination revealed mild pallor and blood stained hard stool in the rectum. Barium enema showed multiple diverticular along the whole colon but sparing the rectum. Diagnosis of diverticular disease of the colon was made. Diverticular disease may be more widespread in Nigeria than previously thought and should be considered an important differential diagnosis in rectal bleeding.