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[Intestinal obstruction due to phytobezoar in a Meckel's diverticulum]
D Rosin1, Y Korianski, A Ayalon
1General Surgery and Transplantations Dept., Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer.
Harefuah
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Meckel's diverticulum, a common congenital anomaly, can cause rare intestinal obstructions. A phytobezoar within the diverticulum led to a small bowel obstruction in a patient without prior surgery, suggesting a high probability of congenital abnormality.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
- Congenital Anomalies
Background:
- Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting approximately 2% of the population.
- While often asymptomatic, complications include intestinal obstruction, diverticulitis, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Observation:
- A 33-year-old male presented with mechanical small bowel obstruction.
- The obstruction was caused by a large Meckel's diverticulum impacted with a phytobezoar.
Findings:
- Phytobezoar formation leading to small bowel obstruction by Meckel's diverticulum is a rare occurrence.
- In patients with no prior intestinal surgery, the presence of a phytobezoar raises the suspicion of an underlying congenital anomaly.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but serious complication of Meckel's diverticulum.
- It underscores the importance of considering congenital anomalies in the differential diagnosis of bowel obstruction, especially when phytobezoars are involved in patients with no surgical history.