Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital abnormality affecting the gastrointestinal tract, affecting 4% of the general population. It is classically located on the antimesenteric border of the ileum within 100 cm of the ileocaecal valve. Complications may include haemorrhage, bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, perforation and malignancy. This report explores the case of intussusception in an adult, in association with a mesenteric Meckel's diverticulum and adjacent benign polyp. A 40-year-old man presented with acute abdominal pain, affecting the central abdomen and both flanks. CT imaging revealed small bowel intussusception, with either a Meckel's diverticulum or polyp acting as a lead point. Intraoperatively, the intussusception had already resolved; however, an inflamed outpouching was identified on the mesenteric border of the ileum, with a firm mass palpable within the bowel lumen. A 70 mm small bowel resection and primary anastomosis were performed. Histopathological analysis confirmed an inflamed Meckel's diverticulum as well as an adjacent diverticulum comprising a benign polyp.
Keywords: gastrointestinal system; general surgery; small intestine.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.