Question

The patient is present with fecal peritonitis and during laparotomy, a diverticular perforation is seen. Which stage is classified according to Hinchey’s stage?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In the context of diverticular disease, the Hinchey classification is used to stage acute diverticulitis based on the clinical and operative findings. Here's a brief summary of the stages:

• Stage I: Pericolic abscess or phlegmon.
• Stage II: Pelvic, intra-abdominal, or retroperitoneal abscess.
• Stage III: Generalized purulent peritonitis.
• Stage IV: Generalized fecal peritonitis.

In this patient's case, the presence of fecal peritonitis observed during laparotomy due to a diverticular perforation corresponds to Hinchey Stage IV. This stage is characterized by the presence of fecal material in the peritoneal cavity, indicating a severe and diffuse peritoneal contamination.

Therefore, the correct classification according to Hinchey's stage for this scenario is Stage 4.