Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Murine Appendectomy Model of Chronic Colitis Associated Colorectal Cancer by Precise Localization of Caecal Patch
Published on: August 24, 2019
Perforated Meckel's diverticulitis complicating active Crohn's ileitis: a case report
Frank Schwenter1, Pascal Gervaz, Philippe de Saussure
1Department of Surgery, University Hospital and Medical School Geneva, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland. frank.schwenter@hcuge.ch.
Crohn's disease can cause Meckel's diverticulitis. In a unique case, perforated Meckel's diverticulitis in a Crohn's patient allowed for a less invasive surgery, avoiding extensive small bowel resection.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Innovation
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Background:
- Crohn's disease (CD) commonly affects the terminal ileum.
- Inflammation extending to a Meckel's diverticulum is possible but rarely influences treatment.
- Concurrent Meckel's diverticulitis and active Crohn's ileitis presents a complex clinical scenario.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an original surgical approach for a patient with perforated Meckel's diverticulitis and active Crohn's ileitis.
- To highlight a case where Meckel's diverticulitis facilitated a conservative surgical strategy.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 22-year-old woman with Crohn's disease.
- Diagnostic imaging (CT scan) revealed ileitis and a suspected perforation.
- Laparoscopic surgery was performed for diagnosis and management.
Main Results:
- Active terminal ileitis and a perforated Meckel's diverticulum with an abscess were identified.
- Meckel's diverticulectomy was performed, avoiding ileocecal resection.
- Pathology confirmed transmural inflammation, granulomas, and perforation in the diverticulum.
Conclusions:
- Crohn's disease can lead to Meckel's diverticulitis and perforation.
- Perforation of Meckel's diverticulum in this context allowed for a less extensive resection.
- This case demonstrates a potential benefit of Meckel's diverticulitis in CD management.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
Diverticular Disease of the Colon
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
