Strangulated Small Intestinal Obstruction due to Giant Meckle’s Diverticulum: A Case Report

Abstract

Meckle’s Diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital Gastro-Intestinal Tract (GIT) anomaly. Intestinal obstruction is the common presenting symptom in the adult population, due to complications like intussusception, incarceration, adhesion, stricture and torsion around a fibrous band. MD can present with similar symptoms of acute appendicitis or can present with painless lower GIT bleeding. Axial torsion of gangrenous MD can cause acute small bowel obstruction. The correct diagnosis of complicated MD before surgery is often difficult. This article is about a young boy who had signs and symptoms of acute small bowel obstruction for 15 days duration. He had MD which was adherent to umbilical region causing gangrenous small bowel obstruction. Initially, the patient was treated conservatively for suspected appendicitis in a peripheral Hospital at his native place and later he was referred for further management. He underwent surgery successfully and discharged after a week. As the acute small bowel obstruction in paediatric patients can also have associated MD with initial presentation as acute appendicitis we should have a high index of suspicion while treating such cases. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention can avoid major bowel resection and overall morbidity.

Keywords

• ectopic mucosa
• gastrointestinal bleeding
• intestinal strangulation
• meckle’s diverticulitis