An Atypical Case of Meckel's Diverticulum with Small Bowel Obstruction: Surgical Anatomy, Embryology and Clinical Implications

Clin Ter. 2023 Mar-Apr;174(2):121-125. doi: 10.7417/CT.2023.2507.

Abstract

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most frequent congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Atypical presentations with life threatening complications include intestinal obstruction, intussusceptions, peritonitis, foreign body lodgement in the MD, perforated viscera etc. which require prompt diagnosis. Ectopic gastric and pancreatic tissues are found in up to half of the cases which can escalate the complications. However clinical diagnosis is not easy especially when the presentation is atypical. A high index of clinical suspicion is required to diagnose elusive MD with associated complications. Surgical resection is safe and the gold standard treatment for complicated MD. A case of Meckel's diverticulum with concomitant mesodiverticular band (MDB) in a 13 years old male child presented as intestinal obstruction to emergency department is described which was promptly managed surgically with required pre-operative investigations. The aim of this report is to make clinicians aware about a complicated MD with MDB clinically presenting as small bowel obstruction.

Keywords: Meckel’s diverticulum; intestinal obstruction; mesodiverticular band; omphalomesenteric duct; small bowel obstruction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Obstruction* / diagnosis
  • Intestinal Obstruction* / etiology
  • Intestinal Obstruction* / surgery
  • Laparoscopy*
  • Male
  • Meckel Diverticulum* / complications
  • Meckel Diverticulum* / diagnosis
  • Meckel Diverticulum* / surgery