Hemodynamic Collapse and Hidden Pathology: A Case of Perforated Duodenal Diverticulum Identified During Trauma Laparotomy

Duodenal diverticula are rare extraluminal sac-like protrusions of the duodenal wall. Perforation of the diverticula is a life-threatening but uncommon complication, particularly following blunt abdominal trauma. We present the case of an 82-year-old woman who sustained blunt abdominal trauma after being struck by a motor vehicle, resulting in perforation of a duodenal diverticulum. She was hemodynamically unstable on arrival, necessitating emergent exploratory laparotomy during which a stapled diverticulectomy was performed. This case highlights the rarity of traumatic perforation of duodenal diverticula and the challenges of diagnosing and managing such injuries in the acute setting. It also underscores the importance of flexible and timely surgical intervention, particularly when preoperative imaging is unavailable.