A rare case report of patent vitellointestinal duct causing bowel obstruction in an adult

Patent vitellointestinal duct occurs in about 2% of the population which unusually leads to small intestinal obstruction associated with high morbidity and mortality. Here we are reporting an unusual case of patent vitellointestinal duct causing small intestinal obstruction in an adult patient.

A 22-year-old male without any medical illness presented as an emergency with a 3day hystory of abdominal pain, multiple episode of vomiting and abdominal distention. Distended abdomen and sign of peritonitis were found on abdominal examination. Abdominal X-rays revealed multiple small intestinal air-fluid levels. A patent vitellointestinal duct extending from distal ileum to the posterior wall of the umbilicus was found causing closed loop ileal obstruction during laparotomy. Resection of a vitellointestinal duct along with gangrenous distal ileum and cecum with ileocolostomy was performed. He was discharged on the 8 th postoperative day.

Diagnosing and management of cause of intestinal obstruction in patients without history of abdominal surgery is very challenging. Early resuscitation and timely surgical intervention of intestinal obstruction due to a rare patent vitellointestinal duct can be life-saving measure.

The patent vitellointestinal duct is an uncommon entity in adults and moreover this disorder leading to intestinal obstruction is very rare. Surgeons should be aware of this infrequent cause of small bowel obstruction to allow for early diagnosis and to facilitate better patient outcomes.