A case report: Cecal volvulus caused by Meckel's diverticulum

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Abdulmalik Altaf1, Hager Aref1

  • 1Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
|December 3, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Meckel's diverticulum, a common congenital anomaly, can rarely cause acute large bowel obstruction via volvulus. Surgical diverticulectomy is the primary treatment for symptomatic patients with this rare complication.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology
  • Congenital Anomalies

Background:

  • Meckel's diverticulum is the most frequent congenital anomaly of the small intestine.
  • Complications include hemorrhage, obstruction, and inflammation.
  • Acute large bowel obstruction due to Meckel's diverticulum is rare.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of acute large bowel obstruction caused by cecal volvulus secondary to a perforated Meckel's diverticulum.
  • To highlight the importance of understanding Meckel's diverticulum pathophysiology for managing complications.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 39-year-old female presenting with symptoms of large bowel obstruction.
  • Diagnostic workup included radiological findings suggestive of cecal volvulus.
  • Surgical exploration revealed a perforated Meckel's diverticulum.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with signs and symptoms of acute intestinal obstruction.
  • Radiological imaging indicated cecal volvulus.
  • Intraoperative findings confirmed a perforated Meckel's diverticulum as the cause.

Conclusions:

  • Volvulus is a rare complication of Meckel's diverticulum.
  • Prompt surgical intervention, including diverticulectomy, is indicated for symptomatic patients.
  • Intraoperative identification is common; understanding pathophysiology aids management.
Keywords:
Cecal volvulusMeckel's diverticulumVolvulus

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