Published online Oct 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i37.13615
Revised: April 1, 2014
Accepted: May 19, 2014
Published online: October 7, 2014
Intestinal obstruction is a common complication associated with Meckel’s diverticulum in adults. The diverticulum itself or its fibrous band can lead to an intestinal volvulus, intussusceptions, or closed-loop obstructions, which require surgery. The incarceration of Meckel’s diverticulum in either inguinal or femoral hernia sacs (Littre’s hernia) is another, less common, etiology underlying intestinal obstruction. This case report describes a 45-year-old man who had an obstruction associated with a Meckel’s diverticulum that passed through a congenital defect in the mesocolon into the right subphrenic space. The patient, who had not undergone abdominal surgery previously, came to the emergency room with acute onset of intermittent epigastric pain and abdominal distention. Computed tomography images showed the presence of a segment of the small bowel and a diverticulum in the right subphrenic space and paracolic gutter. The twisted mesentery and the dilated loops of the proximal small bowel were indicative of an intestinal volvulus and obstruction. Meckel’s diverticulum complicated by a transmesocolic internal hernia was diagnosed, and this condition was confirmed during emergency surgery. The patient’s postoperative recovery was uneventful. This case report highlights another presentation of Meckel’s diverticulum, that is, in combination with a transmesocolic internal hernia. This etiology may lead to an intestinal volvulus and necessitate early surgery.
Core tip: Intestinal obstruction is a common complication associated with Meckel’s diverticulum in adults. It can also be complicated with transmesocolic internal hernia, which had not been reported before. Early surgery is necessary since it could result in intestinal volvulus and closed-loop obstruction. High clinical suspicion in acute abdomen is important while computed tomography scans helps preoperative diagnosis.