ABSTRACT
Most cases of Meckel's diverticulum (MD) are asymptomatic and discovered by chance. Management of MD is controversial. The authors describe an exceptional case of intestinal obstruction caused by a giant MD in a patient who had previously undergone appendectomy. A review of the contradictory literature on this subject leads to the conclusion that careful consideration of clinical and morphological data (patient's age, ASA score, the surgical procedure to be performed, morphology and position of the MD, any fibrotic bands) is required before deciding whether or not to resect an asymptomatic MD.
Subject(s)
Ileal Diseases/etiology , Intestinal Obstruction/etiology , Meckel Diverticulum/complications , Abdominal Pain/etiology , Appendectomy , Humans , Ileal Diseases/prevention & control , Ileal Diseases/surgery , Intestinal Obstruction/surgery , Male , Meckel Diverticulum/diagnosis , Meckel Diverticulum/surgery , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Postoperative Complications/surgery , Tissue Adhesions/surgery , Young AdultABSTRACT
The authors describe a case of giant appendiceal mucocele, secondary to a mucinous neoplasm of the appendix, diagnosed during laparotomy for acute abdomen. By a review of the literature they stress the rarity of this lesion, the particular onset in their case as acute complication of appendiceal neoplasm with rupture of the intestinal wall, the difficulties of diagnosis and management in emergency.