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Meckel's Diverticulum Causing Small-Bowel Volvulus in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report

Nona Shalisha Sallay1, Sanura Malinda Pallegoda Vithana2, H L D S Ariyaratne1

  • 1General Surgery, Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Nugegoda, LKA.

Cureus
|May 29, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is a congenital anomaly. This case highlights a rare instance of small bowel obstruction in an elderly patient caused by MD-related volvulus, emphasizing diagnostic challenges in older adults.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology
  • Congenital Anomalies

Background:

  • Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is a congenital anomaly of the small intestine, a remnant of the vitelline duct.
  • While common in children, symptomatic presentations in adults are rare, often due to complications like hemorrhage, diverticulitis, or obstruction.
  • Clinically significant MD complications are infrequent in the elderly, posing diagnostic difficulties.
Keywords:
acute abdomenelderly patientintestinal obstructionmeckel’s diverticulumsmall bowel volvulus

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