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Published on: September 11, 2018
Perforation of Meckel's diverticulum by foreign body, a rare complication
A Cotirlet1, R Anghel, E Tincu
1Surgery Department, Moineşti Emergency Municipal Hospital, Romania. spitalmoinesti@bacau.astral.ro
Abstract:
Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital disorder that results from an incomplete obliteration of the vitelline duct. Meckel's diverticulum may give rise to bleeding, intestinal obstruction and inflammation; however, its perforation by a foreign body is an extremely rare life-threatening complication. We report ona 37-year-old male presenting symptoms and signs of acute abdomen with an initial suspicion of acute appendicitis.However, the right diagnosis was made only during exploratory laparoscopy when the appendix was found to be normal,whereas Meckel's diverticulum was found to be inflamed and perforated by a chicken bone. The patient was treated successfully with laparoscopic resection of the diverticulum, and had an uncomplicated postoperative course.
Insights
A rare case of Meckel's diverticulum perforation by a chicken bone in a 37-year-old male is presented. This life-threatening condition required laparoscopic surgery for successful treatment.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Meckel's diverticulum, a congenital anomaly from incomplete vitelline duct obliteration, can cause bleeding, obstruction, or inflammation.
- Perforation by a foreign body is an exceptionally rare but life-threatening complication of Meckel's diverticulum.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old male presented with acute abdomen, initially suspected as acute appendicitis.
- Exploratory laparoscopy revealed a normal appendix but an inflamed Meckel's diverticulum perforated by a chicken bone.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful laparoscopic resection of the perforated Meckel's diverticulum.
- Postoperative recovery was uneventful, highlighting successful management of this rare complication.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare diagnoses in acute abdominal presentations.
- Highlights the efficacy of laparoscopic surgery in managing perforated Meckel's diverticulum.
- Emphasizes the potential for foreign body perforation in Meckel's diverticulum, even with common food items.
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