Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026
Postoperative Ileus Murine Model
Published on: July 12, 2024
Intestinal perforation in unusual location
Javier Gómez Sánchez1, Marisol Zurita Saavedra1, Clotilde Moreno Cortés2
1Cirugía General, Hospital Clínico San Cecilio, España.
Abstract:
Meckel's diverticulum is the most frequent congenital gastrointestinal malformation and the clinical presentation varies from the absence of symptoms to intestinal obstruction or secondary perforation due to a foreign body. When reviewing the literature we found an interesting article by Fonseca et al., which describes the perforation of a Meckel's diverticulum by a fishbone. In this case, no imaging tests were used for diagnosis as there was a high clinical suspicion of a Meckel's diverticulitis. Recently, we had a similar patient to the one described by Fonseca et al.
Insights
Meckel
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Meckel's diverticulum is a common congenital anomaly of the small intestine.
- Its presentation ranges from asymptomatic cases to severe complications like obstruction or perforation.
- Foreign body perforation is a rare but serious complication.
Observation:
- A case report by Fonseca et al. detailed Meckel's diverticulum perforation by a fishbone.
- Diagnosis in their case relied on high clinical suspicion, foregoing imaging.
- A similar patient case prompted this review.
Findings:
- Fishbone perforation of Meckel's diverticulum is a documented, albeit infrequent, cause of acute abdominal symptoms.
- Clinical suspicion can be a primary diagnostic tool in suspected Meckel's diverticulitis.
- The diagnostic approach may not always necessitate advanced imaging.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering Meckel's diverticulum in patients with unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms, especially after foreign body ingestion.
- Suggests that prompt clinical evaluation can lead to timely diagnosis and management.
- Emphasizes the need for awareness among clinicians regarding rare presentations of common congenital anomalies.
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