Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis
08:49

Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis

Published on: October 29, 2014

16.4K

Small Bowel Obstruction Linked to Meckel's Diverticulum: A Rare Case

Fábio Viveiros1, Nereida Monteiro2, Inês Arnaud1

  • 1General Surgery, Local Health Unit of Alto Minho, Viana do Castelo, PRT.

Cureus
|January 15, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Meckel's diverticulum, a common congenital anomaly, can cause small bowel obstruction. This case highlights its role in atypical presentations, emphasizing tailored management based on patient factors and findings.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital gastrointestinal anomaly, resulting from incomplete obliteration of the vitelline duct.
  • While often asymptomatic, MD can lead to complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, and diverticulitis.
  • Risk factors for symptomatic MD include male sex, younger age (<50 years), larger diverticula (>2 cm), and ectopic tissue presence.

Observation:

  • A 61-year-old male presented with acute abdominal pain and signs of small bowel obstruction.
  • CT imaging confirmed intestinal obstruction, leading to exploratory laparotomy.
  • An internal hernia caused by an MD adhered to the retroperitoneum was identified.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent segmental small bowel resection with ileo-ileal anastomosis.
  • Histological examination confirmed Meckel's diverticulum with ectopic gastric tissue.
  • The MD was identified as the cause of an internal hernia leading to small bowel obstruction.

Implications:

  • This case underscores Meckel's diverticulum as a potential cause of acute small bowel obstruction, particularly in patients without a history of abdominal surgery.
  • Management strategies for MD should be individualized, considering patient demographics, diverticulum characteristics, and histological findings.
  • Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for MD in patients presenting with atypical symptoms of bowel obstruction.
Keywords:
gastrointestinal obstructionmeckel's diverticulumsmall bowel bleedingsmall bowel resectionsmall bowel surgery

More Related Videos

A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction07:33

A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction

Published on: March 5, 2018

21.0K
Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia05:07

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia

Published on: July 21, 2023

528

Related Concept Videos

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
926
Pyloric Obstruction01:11

Pyloric Obstruction

Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...
81
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction01:29

Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction

Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
87
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
78
Diverticular Disease of the Colon01:27

Diverticular Disease of the Colon

Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...
55
Appendicitis01:19

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
33