Which statement correctly describes Hinchey grade III diverticulitis?

• A Pericolic abscess confined by the mesocolon
• B Pelvic abscess drained into the pelvis
• C Generalised purulent peritonitis ✓
• D Generalised faecal peritonitis

Explanation

The Hinchey classification stages complicated diverticulitis: grade Ia is a pericolic abscess, Ib is a pelvic or distant abscess, grade II is a walled-off abscess communicating with the lumen, grade III is generalised purulent peritonitis from a sealed-off microscopic perforation, and grade IV is generalised faecal peritonitis from a free perforation. Grade III implies pus throughout the peritoneal cavity without frank faecal contamination.

Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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