Axial Torsion of Gangrenous Meckel's Diverticulum Causing Small Bowel Obstruction

Small Bowel Obstruction Due to Axial Torsion of Meckel's Diverticulum: A Case Report and Literature Review

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is a commonly encountered congenital gastrointestinal abnormality. Although the frequency of MD-related complications such as inflammation or bleeding is relatively high, small bowel obstruction induced by axial torsion of the MD is rare. Therefore, we herein report such a case along with a review of the literature. A 34-year-old female with right lower quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting was admitted to our hospital with the diagnosis of adhesive small bowel obstruction due to a cesarean section performed five years previously. A long intestinal tube was placed, and the patient's clinical symptoms and X-ray findings showed relief of the small bowel obstruction. However, she developed severe right lower quadrant pain after contrast examination through the long intestinal tube despite the fact that the contrast agent had smoothly reached the terminal ileum. Blood tests and enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a remarkable elevation of inflammatory markers, the appearance of ascites, and closed-loop-like and abscess-like appearances near the site of the caliber change. With a diagnosis of internal hernia, the patient underwent emergency laparotomy by means of a midline incision. Purulent ascites was observed within the abdominal cavity. Small bowel obstruction caused by a single band was observed in the right lower quadrant. Further exploration revealed an inflammatory MD with neck torsion and a mesodiverticular band (MDB). Simple mesodiverticular band resection by electrocautery and diverticulectomy by linear stapler were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 7. In the case of juvenile-onset small bowel obstruction, axial torsion of the MD should be considered as a differential diagnosis. Herein, we report such a difficult diagnostic case and the first English literature review of small bowel obstruction due to axial torsion of the MD.

Torsed gangrenous Meckel's diverticulum causing gangrenous ileal segment: A rare case report of small bowel obstruction in children

INTRODUCTION

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal system. It is caused by an incomplete obliteration of the vitelline duct. Rarely, it can present with complications like torsion and gangrene formation.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 13-year previously healthy girl presented with sudden onset periumbilical pain and bilious vomiting who was subsequently diagnosed with Meckel's diverticulum. Intraoperatively, torsed gangrenous diverticulum forming band adhesion was found. Resection of Meckel's diverticulum along with gangrenous ileal segment followed by ileoileal anastomosis was done.

DISCUSSION

Axial torsion of Meckel's diverticulum with gangrene formation is a rare occurrence. Mesodiverticular band adhesion along with herniation of small bowel segments under it endangers viability of herniating segments. Preoperative diagnosis of complicated MD is difficult as it mimics other common acute abdominal conditions. CT scan and enteroclysis are imaging modalities of choice. Surgical resection of MD along with resection and anastomosis of gangrenous bowel segment results in complete cure.

CONCLUSION

Meckel's diverticulum with complications should be kept in the differential of acute abdominal conditions presenting with atypical symptoms. Surgical resection ensures complete cure.

Persistence of a vitelline artery on a Meckel's diverticulum as a cause of bowel infarction

Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital anomaly, resulting from incomplete obliteration of the most proximal portion of the omphalomesenteric duct. It generally remains silent, but life-threatening complications may arise in 4-6% of the patients. We present a case of a 16-year-old male, who arrived at the emergency room with crampy abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, suggestive of acute appendicitis. Surgical exploration revealed 150 cm of infarcted small bowel, secondary to a mesodiverticular band of a Meckel's diverticulum at the site of obstruction. The ischemic small bowel with Meckel's diverticulum was resected, and an ileo-ileal anastomosis was carried out. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the fifth postoperative day. He was seen 12 months after his initial surgery, with a favorable outcome.

Laparoscopic resection for Meckel's diverticulum causing intestinal obstruction

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal system with an estimated incidence of approximately 2% of the population. Although most cases are asymptomatic, it has the potential to create complications, such as hemorrhage, inflammation, intestinal obstruction, perforation, and intussusception. Meckel's diverticulum is generally diagnosed incidentally or upon investigation of unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, inflammation, or obstruction for both pediatric and adult patients. Complications are often present as surgical emergencies and require resection of the diseased intestinal segment. In doubtful cases, laparoscopy should be the surgical method for both diagnosing and treating MD. Here we present a case of MD causing intestinal obstruction and that was treated by laparoscopic resection.