Ruptured Meckel's mesodiverticulum and Meckel's diverticulum following blunt abdominal trauma

Abstract

Objectives: To present a case of simultaneous rupture of Meckel's diverticulum and mesodiverticulum with abdominal pain following a blunt trauma to the abdomen, sustained during an automobile accident. Clinical Presentation: Following a head-on automobile collision a 36-year-old man was referred to the emergency room with abdominal pain, guarding and rigidity and was taken to the operating theater with a preoperative impression of peritonitis due to rupture of a hollow viscus. Upon abdominal exploration, ruptured Meckel's diverticulum (from the base) and ileum with active bleeding from mesodiverticulum was found. Intervention: The ileum was repaired in two layers: a segmental bowel resection including Meckel's diverticulum and the gastrointestinal tube anastomosed without any tension. The patient has a normal postoperative course. Conclusion: This case shows that a blunt abdominal trauma can tear the mesodiverticulum and rupture the Meckel's diverticular base simultaneously, resulting in hemoperitoneum and chemical peritonitis. Diagnosis and management of this type of injury are basically the same as those of acute surgical abdomen following trauma. Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG.