Meckel's diverticulum enteroliths causing small bowel obstruction

Meckel's Enterolith Causing Small Bowel Obstruction: A Useful Solution to a Unique Problem

Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. Its course is usually benign but may also result in complications requiring surgical intervention. A diverticulum may also permit the removal of intraluminal objects without bowel resection and anastomosis.

A woman in her 50s was found to have a mechanical small bowel obstruction secondary to an intraluminal mass within the terminal ileum. On exploration, an MD was encountered proximal to the mass. A diverticulectomy was performed after maneuvering the enterolith into the diverticulum.

Meckel’s diverticulum with an associated enterolith is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction. Historic imaging may show long-standing stones in the bowel lumen and provide a diagnostic clue. Diverticulectomy may be performed to reduce the risks of small bowel resection and anastomosis. This technique can be used for other intraluminal objects requiring removal in the presence of an MD.