Large Enterolith Complicating a Meckel Diverticulum Causing Obstructive Ileus in an Adolescent Male Patient

Constantinos Nastos1, Dimitrios Giannoulopoulos1, Ioannis Georgopoulos2

  • 1Second Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Aretaieion University Hospital, Athens, Greece.

Case Reports in Surgery
|February 3, 2018
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of a large enterolith from a Meckel's diverticulum caused intermittent symptoms for years before leading to small bowel obstruction. Surgical removal provided complete symptom relief, highlighting the need to consider Meckel's diverticulum complications in abdominal complaints.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Case Report

Background:

  • Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital anomaly that can lead to various complications.
  • Enteroliths, or calculus-like masses in the intestine, are rare complications of Meckel's diverticulum.

Observation:

  • A 16-year-old male presented with a three-year history of intermittent abdominal symptoms.
  • Previous investigations including CT and MRI enterography revealed a calcified pelvic mass but no definitive diagnosis.
  • The patient developed acute small bowel obstruction due to an enterolith.

Findings:

  • Exploratory laparotomy identified a large enterolith originating from a Meckel's diverticulum causing the obstruction.
  • Surgical intervention involved partial enterectomy, enterolith removal, and primary anastomosis.
  • The patient experienced complete and permanent relief from symptoms post-surgery.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering Meckel's diverticulum and enterolithiasis in the differential diagnosis of prolonged, intermittent abdominal symptoms and eventual bowel obstruction.
  • Highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by calcified masses on imaging.
  • Emphasizes the successful surgical management and long-term resolution of symptoms through prompt diagnosis and intervention.

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