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Published on: August 24, 2019

Acute appendicitis with unusual dual pathology

Georgina E Riddiough1, Imran Bhatti, David A Ratliff

  • 1Department of Vascular Surgery, Northampton General Hospital, Cliftonville, Northampton NN1 5BD, United Kingdom.

International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
|January 31, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Meckel's diverticulum, a rare congenital condition, can cause complex intestinal obstructions like intussusception. This case highlights the importance of considering Meckel's diverticulum in surgical diagnoses, even when not inflamed.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology
  • Congenital Abnormalities

Background:

  • Meckel's diverticulum is a rare congenital anomaly resulting from persistent vitelline duct, affecting 1-3% of the population.
  • Its varied clinical presentations, including bleeding, obstruction, and inflammation, often complicate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of small bowel obstruction secondary to an inverted Meckel's diverticulum causing intussusception.
  • To discuss the diagnostic challenges and implications for surgical practice.

Main Methods:

  • Case report detailing a patient with acute appendicitis and subsequent persistent postoperative small bowel obstruction.
  • Surgical exploration revealed an intussuscepted, non-inflamed Meckel's diverticulum as the cause.

Main Results:

  • An inverted Meckel's diverticulum was identified as the cause of intussusception and small bowel obstruction.
  • Obstruction due to intussusception from Meckel's diverticulum is an uncommon but significant cause of complex clinical presentations.

Conclusions:

  • Intestinal obstruction in Meckel's diverticulum can manifest as volvulus, intussusception, or hernia incarceration.
  • The case prompts consideration for routine bowel examination for Meckel's diverticulum during laparoscopy due to its potential for obscure presentations.
Keywords:
Acute appendicitisGeneral surgeryMeckel's diverticulumPaediatric surgery

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