Recurrent Small Bowel Obstruction in an Adult Male Patient Due to Complicated Meckel's Diverticulum: A Case Report

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, although it remains asymptomatic in most cases and is rarely diagnosed in adulthood. When symptomatic, it may present with complications such as intestinal obstruction, which can pose a diagnostic challenge due to its nonspecific clinical features. We report the case of a 31-year-old man with a history of multiple prior episodes of small bowel obstruction managed conservatively without an established etiology, who presented with a five-day history of progressive abdominal pain, abdominal distension, non-bilious vomiting, and constipation. Laboratory studies revealed electrolyte imbalances, while contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated a blind-ending structure arising from the distal ileum with associated small bowel dilation and a transition point, suggestive of Meckel's diverticulum. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, which confirmed an inflamed Meckel's diverticulum acting as the cause of mechanical obstruction. A wedge resection was performed with an uneventful postoperative course. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis. This case highlights the importance of considering Meckel's diverticulum in the differential diagnosis of recurrent small bowel obstruction in young adults, particularly in patients without prior abdominal surgery, as early recognition and surgical management are essential to prevent complications and ensure optimal outcomes.