Tackle the Meckel: laparoscopic diverticulectomy for a retained ingested foreign body—a case report

TL;DR

A 16-year-old girl had a headscarf pin removed from her Meckel's diverticulum after it stayed in her gut for three weeks, showing the importance of considering this condition and using minimally invasive surgery.

Contribution

Highlights the use of laparoscopic-assisted diverticulectomy for foreign body removal in Meckel’s diverticulum.

Findings

The pin was lodged in a Meckel’s diverticulum and not detected by standard imaging.

Hybrid laparoscopic-assisted surgery successfully removed the foreign body with a quick recovery.

Meckel’s diverticulum should be considered in cases of prolonged foreign body retention.

Abstract

We report a 16-year-old female who ingested a headscarf pin that remained in the gastrointestinal tract for three weeks. Imaging suggested its presence in the distal ileum, and laparoscopy with fluoroscopy identified the pin lodged in a Meckel’s diverticulum. A hybrid laparoscopic-assisted diverticulectomy was performed, with uneventful recovery. This case emphasizes considering Meckel’s diverticulum in prolonged foreign body retention, as it may be missed on standard advanced imaging, and the value of minimally invasive surgery for definitive management.

Figures