Perforation of Meckel’s diverticulum complicated with suspected acute appendicitis successfully treated by laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

Some diseases have clinical symptoms similar to acute appendicitis, making preoperative diagnosis difficult, including Meckel’s diverticulum. We report a case with a preoperative diagnosis of suspected acute appendicitis, but a perforated Meckel diverticulum caused by a bamboo toothpick was discovered intraoperatively. A male patient, 32 years old, was admitted to the hospital for right iliac fossa pain 1 day before admission. Preoperative diagnosis of suspected acute appendicitis, emergency surgery indicated. During surgery, the appendix has no inflammation. Examining the entire abdomen, the ileum was found 50 cm from the ileocecal valve with a Meckel’s diverticulum perforated by a bamboo toothpick. The patient was successfully treated with laparoscopic surgery. Perforation of Meckel’s diverticulum is a rare complication. Preoperative diagnosing complications of Meckel’s diverticulum is challenging, especially in children. Most imaging investigations are unrecognizable, requiring laparoscopic exploration. Laparoscopic surgery is the preferred method of treatment. Taking a history of ingesting foreign bodies or having a habit of using toothpicks helps identify risk factors. During surgery, it is necessary to carefully examine the abdominal organs, especially when damage to the appendix is disproportionate to clinical symptoms.