[Axial torsion and gangrene of Meckel's diverticulum: case report].

BACKGROUND

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most prevalent congenital anomaly of small intestine. It develops due to the incomplete obliteration of omphalomesenterict duct which normally undergoes obliteration during the seventh week of gestation. In the majority of cases MD is asymptomatic but it may cause various complications, such as bleeding, intestinal obstruction and inflammation. Cases of umbilical sinuses, fistulas and neoplasms related with MD have been reported, but extremely rare gangrene due to its axial torsion, especially in children, as is the case of our patients.

METHODS

An 11-year-old boy admitted to hospital due to 24 hours epigastric pain, vomiting and malaise. After a complete physical examination, and appropriate pre-surgical laboratory and radiographic tests, surgical exploration was performed with a midline abdominal incision. On 60th cm proximal to the ileocecal valve we found a long and in a narrow based ganrenous MD with axial torsion and fibrotic cord extending from the tip of MD to the ileal mesentery. Surrounding ileum had normal appearance. A demarcation and subsequent resection of MD and the surrounding ileum was performed with end-to-end ileal anastomosis. Postoperative recovery was successful and the patient was discharged after six days.

CONCLUSIONS

Axial torsion of MD is presented with non-specific abdominal symptoms and difficult preoperative diagnosis. The choice of diagnosis and therapy is surgical exploration and resection of MD.