Perforation of the Meckel's Diverticulum Following Blunt Trauma to the Abdomen

Sandeep Bhattarai1, Oseen Shaikh1, Muhamed Tajudeen1

  • 1Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, IND.

Cureus
|February 26, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Blunt abdominal trauma can rarely cause Meckel's diverticulum (MD) perforation. This case highlights prompt diagnosis and surgical management of MD perforation after a fall, emphasizing timely intervention for this rare complication.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Trauma Surgery
  • Surgical Case Reports

Background:

  • Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • While often asymptomatic, MD can lead to complications like hemorrhage, obstruction, perforation, and inflammation.
  • Perforation of the gastrointestinal tract from blunt abdominal trauma is a known entity, but MD perforation is exceptionally rare.

Observation:

  • A 60-year-old male presented with a perforated Meckel's diverticulum following blunt abdominal trauma.
  • The trauma mechanism was a fall from a bicycle, resulting in significant abdominal impact.
  • Clinical presentation and diagnostic imaging confirmed the diagnosis of MD perforation.

Findings:

  • The patient's perforated Meckel's diverticulum was successfully diagnosed.
  • Timely surgical intervention was performed to manage the perforation.
  • The patient experienced a successful outcome following operative management.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering Meckel's diverticulum perforation in patients with blunt abdominal trauma, even if rare.
  • Prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in MD perforation.
  • Highlights a rare but serious complication of blunt abdominal trauma, contributing to the literature on Meckel's diverticulum management.

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