A Rare Presentation of Meckel’s Diverticulum Causing Internal Herniation with Acute Small Bowel Obstruction
Keywords:
Meckel’s diverticulum, internal hernia, small bowel obstruction, congenital anomaly, wedge resection.Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is a congenital anomaly found in ~2% of the population. While usually asymptomatic, it can cause complications like bleeding, inflammation, and obstruction. Internal herniation due to MD is a rare but serious cause of small bowel obstruction (SBO).
CASE PRESENTATION: A 19-year-old male presented with colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. Imaging showed closed-loop SBO in the distal ileum. Intraoperatively, an internal hernia was found—formed by adhesion between the tip of a Meckel’s diverticulum and adjacent ileum. Wedge resection and anastomosis were performed. Histopathology confirmed Meckel’s diverticulitis.
DISCUSSION: Internal herniation due to MD is rare and often missed preoperatively. Similar cases are scarcely reported. CT may detect obstruction but rarely identifies MD. Early diagnosis and surgical management are key to preventing complications like ischemia.
CONCLUSION: MD should be considered in young patients with SBO and no prior surgeries. Rare presentations like internal hernia demand high clinical suspicion and timely surgical intervention
