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Meckel's stone ileus
1Division of Hyperbaric Medicine, Armstrong Laboratory, Brooks Air Force Base, TX 78235-5000.
Abstract:
Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital abnormality of the small bowel; it occurs in approximately 2% of the population. Complications of Meckel's diverticulum include hemorrhage, usually associated with heterotopic tissue within the diverticulum, intussusception, development of benign or malignant neoplasms, and inflammation. Formation of one or more enteroliths within a diverticulum is rare. An extremely rare complication is mechanical small bowel obstruction secondary to extrusion of an enterolith from a Meckel's diverticulum (Meckel's stone ileus). A case of Meckel's stone ileus is described herein, with a review of the literature of this extremely rare complication.
Insights
Meckel's diverticulum, a common congenital small bowel abnormality, can rarely cause obstruction due to an enterolith (Meckel's stone ileus). This case report details this extremely rare complication, reviewing existing literature.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and General Surgery
- Congenital Abnormalities
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Meckel's diverticulum is the most frequent congenital anomaly of the small intestine, affecting about 2% of the population.
- Common complications include hemorrhage, intussusception, neoplasms, and inflammation.
- Enterolith formation within a Meckel's diverticulum is uncommon.
Observation:
- This report describes an extremely rare instance of mechanical small bowel obstruction.
- The obstruction was caused by an enterolith extruding from a Meckel's diverticulum, a condition termed Meckel's stone ileus.
- A literature review of this rare condition is included.
Findings:
- Meckel's stone ileus is a rare but significant complication of Meckel's diverticulum.
- Enterolith extrusion can lead to critical surgical emergencies like bowel obstruction.
- The case and literature review highlight the diagnostic and management considerations.
Implications:
- Understanding rare complications like Meckel's stone ileus is crucial for surgeons.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are necessary for favorable outcomes.
- Further case reports and reviews can improve awareness and management strategies for this rare condition.