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Giant Meckel's diverticulitis: a rare condition complicating pregnancy
Yuen Shan Wong1, Shirley Yuk-wah Liu, Simon Siu-man Ng
1Department of Surgery, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.
American Journal of Surgery
|April 23, 2010
Summary
A giant Meckel's diverticulum caused peritonitis in a pregnant woman, mimicking appendicitis. Surgical removal led to a full recovery, highlighting the importance of considering rare diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Case Reports
Background:
- Peritonitis in pregnant patients requires prompt diagnosis and management.
- Appendicitis is a common cause of acute abdominal pain during pregnancy.
Observation:
- A pregnant woman presented with right iliac fossa peritonitis.
- Ultrasound suggested appendicitis due to an 8-cm tubular structure.
- Surgical exploration revealed a 12-cm inflamed Meckel's diverticulum.
Findings:
- The patient had a giant Meckel's diverticulum, measuring 12 cm.
- The diverticulum was inflamed and at risk of perforation.
- Meckel's diverticulectomy was successfully performed.
Implications:
- Giant Meckel's diverticulum can present atypically, mimicking common conditions like appendicitis.
- Accurate preoperative diagnosis is crucial for appropriate surgical planning in pregnant patients.
- Timely surgical intervention for inflamed Meckel's diverticulum ensures favorable outcomes.
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