[Short bowel syndrome due to a severe complication related to Meckel's diverticulum]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Acute diffuse peritonitis in a 17-year-old patient presenting with a four-day history of symptoms.
• Emergency surgical admission and intervention were required.

Observation:

• Intraoperative findings revealed a massive small intestine volvulus.
• The volvulus was caused by an adhesion between Meckel's diverticulum and the mesentery.
• Extensive intestinal necrosis was observed, necessitating significant resection.

Findings:

• An extended enterectomy was performed, followed by the creation of a jejunostomy.
• Postoperative course was complicated by severe metabolic insufficiencies requiring intensive therapy.
• A second surgery involved creating an anastomosis between 30 cm of jejunum and 20 cm of ileum.

Implications:

• Initial recovery showed improved digestive function and weight gain post-anastomosis.
• However, the patient ultimately succumbed one year later.
• Severe hematological and neurological disorders, secondary to malabsorption syndrome, were the cause of death.