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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.
Abstract:
Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. Most of the patients are asymptomatic and very few develop symptoms. Hemorrhage, obstruction, perforation, and inflammation are the complications that can occur in an MD. Even though hollow viscus perforation is common, perforation of the MD following blunt abdominal trauma is rare. We report a case of perforation of the MD in a 60-year-old man following a blunt abdominal trauma due to a fall from a bike, which was diagnosed promptly and managed successfully by timely operative intervention.
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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