Chaouch MA, Abdelali M, Hammouda SB, Zayati M, Taieb AH, Noomen F. A case report of small bowel occlusion due to Meckel diverticulum causing a life-threatening condition.
Int J Surg Case Rep 2023;
112:108982. [PMID:
37883867 PMCID:
PMC10667897 DOI:
10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108982]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Meckel's diverticulum is a common congenital abnormality. In this study, we reported a case of small bowel occlusion due to Meckel's diverticulum causing a small bowel obstruction and a life-threatening condition.
CASE PRESENTATION
28-year-old man complaining of abdominal pain for 3 days. The physical examination found the patient appeared profusely unwell with a blood pressure of 80/40 mmHg. The abdominal examination found abdominal rigidity suggesting peritonitis. The patient's C-reactive protein was 210 mg/l with normal white blood cell count. Consequently, the patient was operated on using a laparotomy. A mechanical bowel obstruction due to a gangrenous Meckel's diverticulum was confirmed during the operation. Meckel's diverticulitis with the tip attached to the ileal mesentery through a band. A section of the band was performed followed by a resection of the Meckel's diverticulum and an ileo-ileal anastomosis. The postoperative follow-up was uneventful.
CASE DISCUSSION
Meckel's diverticulum results from yolk sac persistence during embryonic development, often remaining asymptomatic. However, it can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and fever when inflamed or infected. Treatment involves surgery (diverticulectomy) for severe cases with complications, with good prognosis but associated surgical risks.
CONCLUSION
The diverticulum can present a life-threatening condition. The treatment is essentially surgical. This surgery should be performed emergently to enhance the prognosis.
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