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Perforation of Meckel's diverticulum by a fish bone presenting as acute appendicitis: a case report

Ioannis Dimitriou1, Neofytos Evaggelou, Elefteria Tavaki

  • 1Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Thessaloniki, O Agios Dimitrios Kanari 7 Stavroupoli, Thessaloniki PC56430, Greece. johndim577@yahoo.com.

Journal of Medical Case Reports
|October 4, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A rare case of Meckel's diverticulum perforation by a fish bone mimicked appendicitis. Prompt surgical intervention led to a full recovery, emphasizing the importance of considering Meckel's diverticulum in acute abdominal pain diagnoses.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Case Reports
  • Congenital Abnormalities

Background:

  • Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital gastrointestinal anomaly.
  • While often asymptomatic, it can lead to complications like bleeding, obstruction, or perforation.
  • Perforation by foreign bodies is rare but presents with symptoms mimicking acute appendicitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report an unusual case of Meckel's diverticulum perforation.
  • To highlight the diagnostic challenges and importance of considering Meckel's diverticulum in acute abdomen.
  • To emphasize the necessity of timely surgical intervention for favorable outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Presentation of a 64-year-old male with right iliac fossa pain.
  • Initial diagnosis of acute appendicitis.
  • Surgical exploration revealing a perforated Meckel's diverticulum caused by a fish bone.
  • Performance of Meckel's diverticulectomy.

Main Results:

  • The patient's abdominal pain was caused by an inflamed Meckel's diverticulum perforated by a fish bone.
  • Appendectomy was considered but Meckel's diverticulectomy was performed.
  • The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged within two days.

Conclusions:

  • Complications of Meckel's diverticulum require early recognition and prompt surgical management.
  • This case underscores the significance of Meckel's diverticulum as a differential diagnosis for acute abdomen.
  • Foreign body perforation of Meckel's diverticulum, though rare, necessitates thorough diagnostic consideration.

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