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A completely patent omphalomesenteric duct causing recurrent intestinal obstruction in a Nigerian adult: a case
Muhammad Daniyan1, Ahmad Mai1, Peter Pase Abur1
1Department of Surgery, ABU/ABU Teaching Hospital Zaria, Tudun Wada, Nigeria.
Abstract:
Mechanical small bowel obstruction is perhaps the most important pathology of the small bowel encountered in surgical practice. The most common etiologies are postoperative adhesions and external hernias. Congenital anomalies like patent omphalomesenteric duct (OMD) hardly make the list among adult patients. Although patent OMD remnants are a rare cause of small bowel obstruction among adults, they should be considered in the list of differentials, especially in the setting of no previous abdominal surgery or external hernia, and deliberately looked for. A high index of suspicion remains the key in the identification and appropriate management of such a rare disease entity. We present the case of a young Nigerian adult with recurrent intestinal obstruction from a completely patent OMD.
Insights
Recurrent intestinal obstruction in adults can stem from rare congenital anomalies like a patent omphalomesenteric duct (OMD). High suspicion is crucial for diagnosing and managing this uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
- Congenital Abnormalities
Background:
- Mechanical small bowel obstruction is a significant surgical concern, typically caused by adhesions or hernias.
- Congenital anomalies are infrequent causes of obstruction in adults.
- Patent omphalomesenteric duct (OMD) remnants are rare but potential etiologies.
Observation:
- A case study of a young Nigerian adult presenting with recurrent intestinal obstruction.
- The patient had no history of abdominal surgery or external hernias.
- The obstruction was attributed to a completely patent omphalomesenteric duct.
Findings:
- Patent omphalomesenteric duct (OMD) can cause recurrent small bowel obstruction in adults.
- This diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, especially in patients without typical risk factors.
- Early identification and management are critical for favorable outcomes.
Implications:
- Broadens the differential diagnosis for small bowel obstruction in adults.
- Highlights the importance of considering congenital anomalies in unexplained cases.
- Emphasizes the need for thorough evaluation in recurrent obstruction scenarios.
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