Non-operative Reduction of Intussusception in 16-Month-Old Boy with Sudden Episode of Hemorrhaging Deterioration via Reperfusion of Meckel’s Diverticulum: Case Report

Abstract

Objective – The aim of this study is to report a rare clinical case of a 16-month-old boy with a sudden episode of hemorrhaging deterioration, which required immediate laparotomy 14 hours after a successfully performed non-surgical reduction of intus­suscepton. Inflamed Meckel’s diverticulum was identified as the cause of hemorrhage due to the reperfusion of this region of the intestine after the invagination was resolved.

Case Report – A 16-month-old boy was presented to the emergency department with the signs and symptoms of acute intestinal invagination, which were visually confirmed by ultrasound. The successful reduc­tion of intussusceptions by air enema was performed and confirmed by ultrasound. On physical examination five hours after the gas enema procedure patient had no complaints, and no signs or symptoms of peritoneal irritation. However, 14 hours after the reduction of intussusception patient developed signs of hemorrhage, which suggested the presence of hemorrhaging Meckel’s diverticulum due to a reperfusion of that region of intestine.

Conclusion – Despite the successful use of nonsurgical methods of disinvagination, it remains critical for the management team to keep in mind that one of the predisposing factors of acute intestinal invagination such as Meckel’s diverticulum can cause post therapeutic complications, manifesting as acute hemorrhage.