Adult Small Bowel Obstruction Secondary to Meckel’s Diverticulum: A Case Report

• Published in: SN comprehensive clinical medicine Vol. 6; no. 1
• Main Authors: Ng, Harry Ho Man, Leong, Eugene Kwong Fei, Chong, Hon Ian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 08-10-2024
• Subjects: Case Report; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Topical Collection on Surgery; Vitelline duct; Intestinal obstruction; Adult intussusception; Meckel’s diverticulum; Omphalomesenteric duct
• ISSN: 2523-8973; 2523-8973
• DOI: 10.1007/s42399-024-01734-x

Meckel’s diverticulum is a congenital anomaly resulting from incomplete obliteration of the omphalomesenteric duct during embryonic development. While it is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, clinical manifestations are relatively rare and may include gastrointestinal bleeding, diverticulitis, or intestinal obstruction. We present a unique case of a 55-year-old Chinese male patient who presented with features of small bowel obstruction due to adhesion caused by Meckel’s diverticulum. He was treated with exploratory laparotomy and has recovered well. Complications arising from Meckel’s diverticulum are rare but more common in the paediatric population. Most patients present with gastrointestinal bleeding, with a small minority presenting with intestinal obstruction symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. The work-up of the patient should include thorough history taking, examination, and abdominal imaging such as a CT scan. This case report highlights the importance of considering Meckel’s diverticulum as a potential cause of intestinal obstruction in adults. Prophylactic resection of Meckel’s diverticulum in adults should be considered if potential complications such as adhesional intestinal obstruction are foreseen.