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A rare complication of Meckel's diverticulum: a fistula between Meckel's diverticulum and the appendix

Ping-Fu Yang1, Chau-Yun Chen, Fang-Jung Yu

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Asian Journal of Surgery
|October 16, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Meckel diverticulum, a common congenital anomaly, can rarely form a fistula. This study reports the first known case of a fistula between Meckel diverticulum and the appendix.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Anatomy

Background:

  • Meckel diverticulum is the most frequent congenital malformation of the small intestine, affecting 2%-4% of individuals.
  • It arises from the incomplete obliteration of the omphalomesenteric duct.

Observation:

  • Symptomatic Meckel diverticulum presents with various complications like hemorrhage, obstruction, and diverticulitis.
  • Fistula formation is an exceptionally rare complication, with documented cases including enterocolonic, vesicodiverticular, ileorectal, and fistula-in-ano.

Findings:

  • This paper documents the first reported instance of a fistula developing between Meckel diverticulum and the appendix.
  • This unique case expands the spectrum of known Meckel diverticulum-associated fistulas.

Implications:

  • Understanding this rare complication is crucial for accurate diagnosis and surgical management of Meckel diverticulum.
  • This finding contributes to the anatomical and clinical knowledge of congenital gastrointestinal anomalies.

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