Intestinal obstruction by giant Meckel's diverticulum. Case report.

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.

[Giant appendiceal mucocele during laparotomy for acute abdomen. Report of a case and brief review]. / Diagnosi di mucocele appendicolare gigante in corso di laparotomia per addome acuto. Caso clinico e revisione della letteratura.

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.