Significant bleeding from Meckel's diverticulum after blunt abdominal trauma: a case report

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Surgical Case Report

Background:

• Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, occurring in 2% of the population.
• Common complications include perforation, obstruction, and bleeding; however, significant bleeding from Meckel's diverticulum following blunt abdominal trauma is exceptionally rare.

Observation:

• A 12-year-old boy presented with rectal bleeding and abdominal pain after blunt abdominal trauma.
• The patient showed signs of deterioration with hemodynamic instability and ongoing rectal bleeding.
• Diagnostic efforts, including colonoscopy, did not reveal a clear bleeding source, necessitating exploratory laparotomy.

Findings:

• Laparotomy identified an injured mesenteric artery branch supplying Meckel's diverticulum as the source of significant arterial bleeding.
• Suture ligation of the bleeding vessel and resection of the Meckel's diverticulum successfully controlled the hemorrhage.
• The patient stabilized post-operatively and was discharged without further complications.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for severe intestinal hemorrhage from Meckel's diverticulum secondary to blunt abdominal trauma.
• Diagnosis can be challenging due to the rarity of this presentation and the limitations of standard diagnostic procedures.
• Prompt surgical intervention is crucial for managing life-threatening bleeding in such rare cases.