Perforated Meckel's diverticulum in a 6-day-old neonate: A case report

ABSTRACT Introduction and importance: Meckel's diverticulum is The most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, Meckel's diverticulum, affects around 2 % of the general population. Meckel's diverticulum symptoms in the newborn stage are quite uncommon. Case presentation: A male newborn, aged 6 days, was brought to our hospital due to recurrent episodes of vomiting during nursing and fever. There was bilious vomiting along with distention of the abdomen. Following a physical assessment and radiological analysis, the patient had an exploratory laparotomy with a bowel perforation impression. The abdominal cavity contained bowel content and a diagnosis of perforated MD was made. Following a thorough abdominal wash with warm normal saline, wedge resection and anastomosis were performed. Released three days following eight days of hospitalization and attaining full feeding. Six-month follow-up showed good recovery and ideal growth and development. Clinical discussion: Meckel's diverticulum (MD), the most prevalent congenital gastrointestinal tract malformation, results from partial obliteration of the proximal portion of the omphalomesenteric duct during the seventh week of pregnancy. We report in this study an MD case with a range of complex spectra, such as severe distention and vomiting in the neonatal period. Meckel's diverticulum perforation is a deadly complication that typically results from gangrene, diverticulitis, or peptic ulceration brought on by an ectopic stomach mucosa. Conclusion: The two most common clinical manifestations of symptomatic MD in newborns are partial bowel obstruction and pneumoperitoneum. Surgery is the only accurate method for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes with a successful outcome. Highlights