Emergent Laparotomy Reveals Possible Meckel's Diverticulum: A Case Report
- PMID: 39544566
- PMCID: PMC11561334
- DOI: 10.7759/cureus.71498
Emergent Laparotomy Reveals Possible Meckel's Diverticulum: A Case Report
Abstract
Small bowel obstruction (SBO) remains the most common diagnosis encountered by general surgeons, with 70% of cases related to adhesions from previous abdominal surgeries. Less common etiologies include Crohn's disease, gallstone ileus, and Meckel's diverticulum (MD). While MD is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, it is less frequently considered as a cause in adults. Nonetheless, it remains crucial to consider MD as a potential cause of SBO in adults, especially when evaluating patients with unexplained SBO and recurrent idiopathic abdominal pain, especially in those without a history of abdominal surgery. We present a case of a 74-year-old male presenting with right upper quadrant abdominal pain, constipation, and bilious vomiting, with a presumed diagnosis of SBO and perforation, potentially attributed to MD. This case highlights the differential challenges posed by small bowel diverticula and their complications, underscoring the need for vigilance in recognizing these complications and optimizing clinical management.
Keywords: abdominal laparotomy; meckel's diverticulum complications; perforated meckel's diverticulum; small bowel diverticula; small bowel obstruction.
Copyright © 2024, O'Doherty et al.
Conflict of interest statement
Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.
Figures





References
-
- Small bowel diverticulosis: pathogenesis, clinical management, and new concepts. Rangan V, Lamont JT. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2020;22 - PubMed
-
- Small bowel obstruction in the virgin abdomen. Baker S, Miller-Hammond K, King-Mullins E. Surg Clin North Am. 2021;101:1045–1052. - PubMed
-
- Small bowel obstruction. Bower KL, Lollar DI, Williams SL, Adkins FC, Luyimbazi DT, Bower CE. Surg Clin North Am. 2018;98:945–971. - PubMed
-
- Meckel's diverticulum: clinical features, diagnosis and management. Kuru S, Kismet K. https://doi.org/10.17235/reed.2018.5628/2018. Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2018;110:726–732. - PubMed
Publication types
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources