Inverted Meckel's diverticulum manifested as adult intussusception: Age does not matter

World J Gastrointest Surg. 2011 Aug 27;3(8):123-7. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v3.i8.123.

Abstract

Adult intussusception due to Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction. However, the surgeon should still be suspicious of this condition since the non specific symptoms and the rarity of it make a preoperative diagnosis uncertain. Considering the secondary nature of adult intussusception and the necessity of early surgical intervention to avoid morbidity and mortality, we report two cases of intussusception due to MD in adults. A diverticulectomy using a TA stapler was performed in the first patient. In the second patient extensive fibrosis of the adjacent mesentery and thickening of jejunal mucosa were observed, so a segmental resection of the small bowel or affected ileal part and a hand-sewn anastomosis was performed. The postoperative period along with the long term follow-up was uneventful for both patients. The decision between diverticulectomy vs bowel resection can be based on the intussuscepted bowel condition. Early surgical intervention may ensure a favorable outcome.

Keywords: Adult intussusception; Computed tomography; Diverticulectomy; Emergency surgery; Intestinal obstruction; Inverted Meckel’s Diverticulum.