Appendicitis combined with Meckel’s diverticulum obstruction, perforation, and inflammation in children: Three case reports

BACKGROUND Meckel’s diverticulum is a common congenital malformation of the small intestine,with the three most common complications being obstruction,per-foration,and inflammation.To date,only a few cases have been reported world-wide.In children,the clinical symptoms are similar to appendicitis.As most of the imaging features are nonspecific,the preoperative diagnosis is not precise.In addition,the clinical characteristics are highly similar to pediatric acute appendicitis,thus special attention is necessary to distinguish Meckel’s diver-ticulum from pediatric appendicitis.Patients with poor disease control should undergo laparoscopic exploration to avoid serious complications,including intestinal necrosis,intestinal perforation and gastrointestinal bleeding.CASE SUMMARY This report presents three cases of appendicitis in children combined with intestinal obstruction,which was caused by fibrous bands(ligaments)arising from the top part of Meckel's diverticulum,diverticular perforation,and diver-ticular inflammation.All three patients,aged 11-12 years,had acute appendicitis as their initial clinical presentation.All were treated by laparoscopic surgery with a favorable outcome.A complete dataset including clinical presentation,dia-gnostic imaging,surgical information,and histopathologic findings was also provided.CONCLUSION Preoperative diagnosis of Meckel’s diverticulum and its complications is challenging because its clinical signs and complications are similar to those of appendicitis in children.Laparoscopy combined with laparotomy is useful for diagnosis and treatment.

Single-center retrospective study of the diagnostic value of doubleballoon enteroscopy in Meckel’s diverticulum with bleeding

BACKGROUND The study aimed to analyze the characteristic clinical manifestations of patients with intestinal disease Meckel’s diverticulum(MD)complicated by digestive tract hemorrhage.Moreover,we aimed to evaluate the value of double-balloon enteroscopy(DBE)in MD diagnosis and the prognosis after laparoscopic diverticula resection.AIM To evaluate the value of DBE in the diagnosis and the prognosis after laparoscopic diverticula resection for MD with bleeding.METHODS The study retrospectively analyzed relevant data from 84 MD patients treated between January 2015 and March 2022 and recorded their clinical manifestations,auxiliary examination,and follow-up after laparoscopic resection of diverticula.RESULTS(1)Among 84 MD patients complicated with hemorrhage,77 were male,and 7 were female with an average age of 31.31±10.75 years.The incidence was higher in men than in women of different ages;(2)Among the 84 MD patients,65(78.40%)had defecated dark red stools,and 50(58.80%)had no accompanying symptoms during bleeding,indicating that most MD bleeding appeared a dark red stool without accompanying symptoms;(3)The shock index of 71 patients(85.20%)was<1,suggesting that the blood loss of most MD patients was less than 20%–30%,and only a few patients had a blood loss of>30%;(4)The DBE-positive rate was 100%(54/54),99mTcpertechnetate-positive scanning rate was 78%(35/45)compared with capsule endoscopy(36%)and small intestine computed tomography(19%).These results suggest that DBE and 99mTc-pertechnetate scans had significant advantages in diagnosing MD and bleeding,especially DBE was a highly precise examination method in MD diagnosis;(5)A total of 54 MD patients with hemorrhage underwent DBE examination before surgery.DBE endoscopy revealed many mucosal manifestations including normal appearance,inflammatory changes,ulcerative changes,diverticulum inversion,and nodular hyperplasia,with ulcerative changes being the most common(53.70%).This suggests that diverticular mucosal ulcer was the main cause of MD and bleeding;and(6)Laparoscopic dissection of diverticulae was performed in 76 patients,The patients who underwent postoperative follow-up did not experience any further bleeding.Additionally,follow-up examination of the 8 cases who had declined surgery revealed that 3 of them experienced a recurrence of digestive tract bleeding.These findings indicate that laparoscopic diverticula resection in MD patients complicated by bleeding had a favorable prognosis.CONCLUSION Bleeding associated with MD was predominantly observed in male adolescents,particularly at a young age.DBE was a highly precise examination method in MD diagnosis.Laparoscopic diverticula resection effectively prevented MD bleeding and had a good prognosis.

Carotid-subclavian bypass and endovascular aortic repair of Kommerell’s diverticulum with aberrant left subclavian artery:A case report

BACKGROUND Kommerell’s diverticulum(KD)with aberrant left subclavian artery is a rare congenital deformity and also has very little research literature about it(35%of case study).There are three types of aortic arch diverticulum.Even literature concerning the treatment options are limited.CASE SUMMARY We present a case report of a 50-year-old male with KD in the right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery.We conducted a total endovascular repair procedure,which is innovative and will spread more light in the medical world.Our patient has no past medical history and is a non-smoker and non-alcoholic.Patient presented with shortness of breath,chest pain and dizziness for six months.Blood tests were done and computerized tomography(CT)angiogram of the chest confirmed the diagnosis,illustrating showed a 3.9 cm KD.On Day 1,the CT angiogram showed mild dilatation of the thoracic aorta,adjacent esophagus,trachea was compressed and displaced.Surgery was planned as the treatment modality.Carotid-Subclavian artery bypass and endovascular aortic repair was conducted.We used prolene 5-0 C1 sutures to precisely anastomose a 6-mm Dacron graft to the left subclavian artery.Haemostasis was secured and wounds were closed.Protamine was administered and patient was shifted to intensive care unit.Post-operative,patient responded favorably and was discharged.Regular follow-up is done.CONCLUSION The procedure we performed is novel.This will help the cardio-thoracic surgeons a better insight about the full procedures we conducted,thereby bringing more light and better treatment options in managing KD with aberrant subclavian artery.

Lipoma within inverted Meckel’s diverticulum as a cause of recurrent partial intestinal obstruction and hemorrhage: A case report and review of literature

Lipoma within an inverted Meckel's diverticulum presen- ting with hemorrhage and partial intestinal obstruction is an exceptional clinical entity. We report a case of 47-year-old male with a history of recurrent episodes of partial intestinal obstruction and melena due to a subserosal lipoma located in the base of an inverted Meckel's diverticulum. According to our knowledge, this is the first case of a lipoma within a Meckel's diverticulum giving rise to this clinical scenario without the existence of heterotrophic gastric or pancreatic tissues.

Inverted Meckel's diverticulum as a cause of occult lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage

Meckel's diverticulum is a common asymptomatic congenital gastrointestinal anomaly,but rarely it can present with hemorrhage.Over the last few years inverted Meckel's diverticulum has been reported in the literature with increasing frequency as an occult source of lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage.Here,we report a case of a 54-year-old male,who was referred for surgical evaluation with persistent anemia and occult blood per rectum after a work up which failed to localize the source over 12 mo,including upper and capsule endoscopy,colonoscopy,enteroclysis,Meckel scan,and tagged nuclear red blood cell scan.An abdominal computed tomography scan showed a possible mid-ileal intussusception and intraluminal mass.During the abdominal exploration,inverted Meckel's diverticulum was diagnosed and resected.We review the literature,discuss the forms in which the disease presents,the diagnostic modalities utilized,pathological findings,and treatment.Although less than 40 cases have been reported in the English literature from 1978 to 2005,19 cases have been reported in the last 6 years alone(2006-2012) due to improved diagnostic modalities.Successful diagnosis and treatment of this disease requires a high index of clinical suspicion,which is becoming increasingly relevant to general gastroenterologists.

Coexistence of abdominal cocoon, intestinal perforation and incarcerated Meckel's diverticulum in an inguinal hernia: A troublesome condition

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis(SEP) is a rare dis-ease entity, in which the small intestine becomes en-cased and mechanically obstructed by a dense, fibrotic membrane. The disorder is characterized as either primary(idiopathic) or secondary to other causes. The idiopathic cases of SEP, which lack any identifiable eti-ology according to clinical, radiological and histopatho-logical findings, are also reported under the designation of abdominal cocoon syndrome. The most frequent presenting symptoms of all SEP cases are nausea, vom-iting, abdominal distention and inability to defecate, all of which are associated with the underlying intestinal obstruction. Persistent untreated SEP may advance to intestinal perforation, representing a life-threatening condition. However, preoperative diagnosis remains a particular clinical challenge, and most diagnoses are confirmed only when the typical fibrous membrane en-casing the small intestine is discovered by laparotomy. Here, we report the clinical presentation of an 87-year-old male with signs of intestinal obstruction and the ul-timate diagnosis of concurrent abdominal cocoon, rightincarcerated Meckel's diverticulum, and gastrointestinal perforation in laparotomy.

Giant Meckel's diverticulum: An exceptional cause of intestinal obstruction

Meckel's diverticulum(MD) results from incomplete involution of the proximal portion of the vitelline(also known as the omphalomesenteric) duct during weeks 5-7 of foetal development. Although MD is the most commonly diagnosed congenital gastrointestinal anom-aly, it is estimated to affect only 2% of the population worldwide. Most cases are asymptomatic, and diagno-sis is often made following investigation of unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, inflammation or obstruction that prompt clinic presentation. While MD range in size from 1-10 cm, cases of giant MD(≥ 5 cm) are relatively rare and associated with more severe forms of the complications, especially for obstruction. Herein, we report a case of giant MD with secondary small bowel obstruction in an adult male that was suc-cessfully managed by surgical resection and anasto-mosis created with endoscopic stapler device(80 mm, endo-GIA stapler). Patient was discharged on post-operative day 6 without any complications. Histopatho-logic examination indicated Meckel's diverticulitis with-out gastric or pancreatic metaplasia.

Intestinal obstruction caused by torsed gangrenous Meckel's diverticulum encircling terminal ileum

Meckel's diverticulum(MD)is considered the most prevalent congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. It may result in a number of complications including hemorrhage,obstruction,and inflammation.Obstruction of various types is the most common presenting symptom in the adult population.Loop formations with the end of an MD and adjacent mesentery constricting the distal ileum is an uncommon cause of obstruction. Axial torsion and gangrene of MD is the rarest of the complications.The correct diagnosis of complicated MD before surgery is often difficult because this condition may mimic other acute abdominal pathologies.Delay in the diagnosis of a complicated MD can lead to signifi- cant morbidity and mortality.Here we describe the case of a patient with a very rare form of acute small bowel obstruction secondary to giant torsed gangrenous MD encircling the terminal ileum.To our knowledge, this co-occurrence of axial torsion and a loop-forming mechanism of obstruction has been reported only once in English medical literature.

Inverted Meckel’s diverticulum manifested as adult intussusception: Age does not matter

Adult intussusception due to Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction. However, the surgeon should still be suspicious of this condition since the non specific symptoms and the rarity of it make a preoperative diagnosis uncertain. Considering the secondary nature of adult intussusception and the necessity of early surgical intervention to avoid morbidity and mortality, we report two cases of intussusception due to MD in adults. A diverticulectomy using a TA stapler was performed in the first patient. In the second patient extensive fibrosis of the adjacent mesentery and thickening of jejunal mucosa were observed, so a segmental resection of the small bowel or affected ileal part and a hand-sewn anastomosis was performed. The postoperative period along with the long term follow-up was uneventful for both patients. The decision between diverticulectomy vs bowel resection can be based on the intussuscepted bowel condition. Early surgical intervention may ensure a favorable outcome.

Meckel's diverticulum bleeding diagnosed with magnetic resonance enterography:A case report

Although the introduction of double-balloon enteroscopy has greatly improved the diagnostic rate, definite diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum far from the ileocecal valve is still impossible in most cases. We explored the role of magnetic resonance (MR) enterography in detecting bleeding from Meckel's diverticulum that can not be confirmed via double-balloon enteroscopy. This study describes a case of male patient with bleeding from Meckel's diverticulum diagnosed with MR enterography of the small intestine. No bleeding lesion was found via colonoscopy, anal enteroscopy, or oral colonoscopy. MR enterography of the small intestine revealed an occupying lesion of 3.0 cm in the lower segment of the ileum. The patient was transferred to the Department of Abdominal Surgery of our hospital for surgical treatment. During surgery, a mass of 3 cm × 2 cm was found 150 cm from the ileocecal valve, in conjunction with congestion and edema of the corresponding mesangium. Intraoperative diagnosis was small bowel diverticulum with bleeding. The patient underwent partial resection of the small intestine. Postopera-tive pathology showed Meckel's diverticulum containing pancreatic tissues. He was cured and discharged 7 d after operation. We conclude that MR enterography of the small intestine has greatly improved the diagnosis rate of Meckel's diverticulum, particularly in those patients with the disease which can not be confirmed via double-balloon enteroscopy.

Balloon-assisted enteroscopy for suspected Meckel's diverticulum and indefinite diagnostic imaging workup

Meckel&rsquo;s diverticulum (MD) is estimated to affect 1%-2% of the general population, and it represents a clinically silent finding of a congenital anomaly in up to 85% of the cases. In adults, MD may cause symptoms, such as overt occult lower gastrointestinal bleeding. The diagnostic imaging workup includes computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging enterography, technetium 99m scintigraphy (99mTc) using either labeled red blood cells or pertechnetate (known as the Meckel&rsquo;s scan) and angiography. The preoperative detection rate of MD in adults is low, and many patients ultimately undergo exploratory laparoscopy. More recently, however, endoscopic identification of MD has been possible with the use of balloon-assisted enteroscopy via direct luminal access, which also provides visualization of the diverticular ostium. The aim of this study was to review the diagnosis by double-balloon enteroscopy of 4 adults with symptomatic MD but who had negative diagnostic imaging workups. These cases indicate that balloon-assisted enteroscopy is a valuable diagnostic method and should be considered in adult patients who have suspected MD and indefinite findings on diagnostic imaging workup, including negative Meckel&rsquo;s scan.

Laparoscopic excision of Meckel's diverticulum in children:What is the current evidence?

Complications aroused from Meckel&#x02019;s diverticulum tend to developed in children. Children presented with abdominal pain, intestinal obstruction, intussusception or gastrointestinal bleeding may actually suffered from complicated Meckel&#x02019;s diverticulum. With the advancement of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in children, the use of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and subsequent laparoscopic excision of Meckel&#x02019;s diverticulum has gained popularity. Recently, single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has emerged as a new technique in minimally invasive surgery. This review offers the overview in the development of MIS in the management of children suffered from Meckel&#x02019;s diverticulum. The current evidence in different laparoscopic techniques, including conventional laparoscopy, SILS, the use of special laparoscopic instruments, intracorporeal diverticulectomy and extracorporeal diverticulectomy in the management of Meckel&#x02019;s diverticulum in children were revealed.

Inverted Meckel's diverticulum preoperatively diagnosed using double-balloon enteroscopy

An inverted Meckel&#x02019;s diverticulum is a rare gastrointestinal congenital anomaly that is difficult to diagnose prior to surgery and presents with anemia, abdominal pain, or intussusception. Here, we report the case of 57-year-old men with an inverted Meckel&#x02019;s diverticulum, who was preoperatively diagnosed using double-balloon enteroscopy. He had repeatedly experienced epigastric pain for 2 mo. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed intestinal wall thickening in the pelvis. Double-balloon enteroscopy via the anal route was performed for further examination, which demonstrated an approximately 8-cm, sausage-shaped, submucosal tumor located approximately 80 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve. A small depressed erosion was observed at the tip of this lesion. Forceps biopsy revealed heterotopic gastric mucosa. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with an inverted Meckel&#x02019;s diverticulum, and single-incision laparoscopic surgery was performed. This case suggests that an inverted Meckel&#x02019;s diverticulum should be considered as a differential diagnosis for a submucosal tumor in the ileum. Balloon-assisted enteroscopy with forceps biopsy facilitate a precise diagnosis of this condition.

A case of intussuscepted Meckel’s diverticulum

We report colonoscopic features of an intussuscepted Meckel's diverticulum, presenting with hematochezia. A 35-year-old woman presented to the emergency room with acute onset, transient, sharp, severe epi-gastric pain that began 6 h earlier. Colonoscopy re-vealed a reddish, soft, fi st-sized polypoid lesion in the terminal ileum. The lesion was misinterpreted as a hematoma by an inexperienced endoscopist. The pa-tient began to complain of intermittent, severe peri-umbilical pain following the colonoscopic examination. Subsequent computed tomography showed an enteric intussusception. An exploratory laparotomy revealed an intussuscepted Meckel's diverticulum, with trans-mural infarction. Colonoscopy was of little use in as-sessing the intussusception. However, colonoscopic examination may be performed initially, especially in an intussuscepted Meckel's diverticulum present-ing with hematochezia. Endoscopists should note the endoscopic features of an intussuscepted Meckel's diverticulum.

Perforated jejunal ulcer associated with gastric mucosa in a jejunal diverticulum

Jejunal diverticula are rare and subsequent complications even more so. The usual small bowel diverticulum encountered by general surgeons is a Meckel's. These are embryological remnants of the vitello-intestinal duct and are on the anti-mesenteric surface of the terminal ileum. They may contain heterotopic gastric or pancreatic mucosa. Herein we explore the case of a young girl who presented with features of peritonitis secondary to a complication from a jejunal diverticulum. The case, pathology, complications and treatment of jejunal diverticulosis and heterotopic gastric mucosa in the jejunum are explored.

New flexible endoscopic controlled stapler technique for the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum:A case series

AIMTo report about the combination and advantages of a stapler-assisted diverticulotomy performed by flexible endoscopy.METHODSFrom November 2014 till December 2015 17 patients (8 female, 9 male, average age 69.8 years) with a symptomatic Zenker diverticulum (mean size 3.5 cm) were treated by inserting a new 5 mm fully rotatable surgical stapler (MicroCutter30 Xchange, Cardica Inc.) next to an ultrathin flexible endoscope through an overtube. The Patients were under conscious sedation with the head reclined in left position, the stapler placed centrally and pushed forward to the bottom of the diverticulum. The septum was divided by the staple rows under flexible endoscopic control.RESULTSIn eleven patients (64.7%) the stapler successfully divided the septum completely. Mean procedure time was 21 min, medium size of the septum was 2.8 cm (range 1.5 cm to 4 cm). In four patients the septum was shorter than 3 cm, in seven longer than 3 cm. To divide the septum, averagely 1.3 stapler cartridges were used. Two minor bleedings occurred. Major adverse events like perforation or secondary haemorrhage did not occur. After an average time of two days patients were discharged from the hospital. In 6 patients (35.3%) the stapler failed due to a thick septum or insufficient reclination of the head. Follow up endoscopy was performed after an average of two months in 9 patients; 4 patients (44.4%) were free of symptoms, 5 patients (55.6%) stated an improvement. A relapse of symptoms did not occur.CONCLUSIONFlexible endoscopic Zenker diverticulotomy by using a surgical stapler is a new, safe and efficient treatment modality. A simultaneously tissue opening and occlusion prevents major complications.

Torsion of Meckel's diverticulum as a cause of small bowel obstruction: A case report

Axial torsion and necrosis of Meckel's diverticulum causing simultaneous mechanical small bowel obstruc-tion are the rarest complications of this congenital anomaly. This kind of pathology has been reported only eleven times. Our case report presents this very unusual case of Meckel's diverticulum. A 41-year-old man presented at the emergency department with complaints of crampy abdominal pain, nausea and re-tention of stool and gases. Clinical diagnosis was small bowel obstruction. Because the origin of obstruction was unknown, computer tomography was indicated. Computed tomography(CT)-scan revealed dilated small bowel loops with multiple air-fluid levels; the oral con-trast medium had reached the jejunum and proximal parts of the ileum but not the distal small bowel loops or the large bowel; in the right mid-abdomen there was a 11 cm × 6.4 cm × 7.8 cm fluid containing cavity with thickened wall, which was considered a dilated bowel-loop or cyst or diverticulum. Initially the patient was treated conservatively. Because of persistent abdominal pain emergency laparotomy was indicated. Abdominal exploration revealed distended small bowel loops proxi-mal to the obstruction, and a large(12 cm × 14 cm) Meckel's diverticulum at the site of obstruction. Meckel's diverticulum was axially rotated by 720°, which caused small bowel obstruction and diverticular necrosis. About 20 cm of the small bowel with Meckel's diverticulum was resected. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the fifth postopera-tive day. We recommend CT-scan as the most useful diagnostic tool in bowel obstruction of unknown origin. In cases of Meckel's diverticulum causing small bowel obstruction, prompt surgical treatment is indicated; de-lay in diagnosis and in adequate treatment may lead to bowel necrosis and peritonitis.

Usefulness of the Hook knife in flexible endoscopic myotomy for Zenker's diverticulum

To investigate the outcome of flexible endoscopic myotomy performed with the Hook knife in patients with symptomatic Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD). METHODSAll consecutive patients treated for ZD at our institution between 7/2012 and 12/2016 were included. The flexible endoscopic soft diverticuloscope-assisted technique with endoclips placement and Hook knife myotomy were performed in all patients. Here we report a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Demographics, dysphagia score (Dakkak and Bennett), associated symptoms and adverse events were collected pre-procedure, at 2 and 6 mo post-procedure, and at the end of the follow-up period. Clinical success was defined as at least 1-point improvement in dysphagia score and a residual dysphagia score ≤ 1, with no need for reintervention. Dysphagia scores were compared before treatment and at end-of-follow-up using the Wilcoxon test. RESULTSTwenty-four patients were included. Mean size of ZD was 3.0 cm (range 2-8 cm). Mean number of sessions was 1.17/patient (range 1-3 sessions). Overall clinical success was 91.7%. Two adverse events (8.3%) occurred, and both were managed conservatively. No bleeding or perforation was reported. Mild pain was reported by 9 patients (37.5%). Median hospital stay was 1 d (range 1-6). Median follow-up was 19.5 mo (range 6-53). Mean ± SD dysphagia score was 2.25 ± 0.89 before treatment and decreased to 0.41 ± 0.92 at end-of-follow-up (P < 0.001). Regurgitation and cough dropped from 91.7% and 50% to 12.5% and 0% at the end of follow-up, respectively. Recurrence was observed in 3 patients, and all 3 were symptom-free after one more session. CONCLUSIONThe Hook knife, used in the soft diverticuloscope-assisted technique setting, is efficient and safe for treatment of ZD.

Helicobacter species and gut bacterial DNA in Meckel's diverticulum and the appendix

AIM:To analyse the possible association of various Helicobacter species and certain common gut bacteria in patients with Meckel's diverticulum and appendicitis.METHODS:A nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR),specific to 16S rRNA of the Helicobacter genus,was performed on paraffin embedded samples,50 with acute appendicitis,50 normal appendixes,and 33 Meckel's diverticulum with gastric heterotopia and/or ulcer.Helicobacter genus positive samples were sequenced for species identification.All samples were also analysed for certain gut bacteria by PCR.RESULTS:Helicobacter pullorum DNA was found in one out of 33 cases and Enterobacteria in two cases of Meckel's diverticulum.Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) was found in three,Enterobacter in 18,and Bacteroides in 19 out of 100 appendix samples by PCR.Enterococcus was not found in any MD or appendix samples.All H.pylori positive cases were from normal appendixes.CONCLUSION:Helicobacter is not an etiological agent in the pathogenesis of symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum or in acute appendicitis.

Gastrointestinal perforation due to incarcerated Meckel's diverticulum in right femoral canal

Meckel's diverticulum is a very common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract but many cases remain asymptomatic and are diagnosed incidentally during laparoscopic or other surgical procedures. Cases of femoral hernia involving Meckel's diverticulum are rare, with less than 50 cases reported in the literature since Littre published the first description of this coincident condition over 300 years ago. While all true "Littre's hernias" contain a Meckel's diverticulum, the involved anatomical sites are various, the most common being the inner groin(inguinal), the outer groin(femoral), and the belly button(umbilical). Complications of Littre's hernias include incarceration, strangulation, necrosis, and perforation. Herein, we describe a case of Littre's hernia that involved an incarcerated Meckel's diverticulum in a femoral hernia that was diagnosed upon investigation of symptomology manifesting from perforation and was successfully managed by surgical resection with stapler devices.