Meckel's diverticulum incarcerated in a transmesocolic internal hernia

Intestinal obstruction is a common complication associated with Meckel's diverticulum in adults. The diverticulum itself or its fibrous band can lead to an intestinal volvulus, intussusceptions, or closed-loop obstructions, which require surgery. The incarceration of Meckel's diverticulum in either inguinal or femoral hernia sacs (Littre's hernia) is another, less common, etiology underlying intestinal obstruction. This case report describes a 45-year-old man who had an obstruction associated with a Meckel's diverticulum that passed through a congenital defect in the mesocolon into the right subphrenic space. The patient, who had not undergone abdominal surgery previously, came to the emergency room with acute onset of intermittent epigastric pain and abdominal distention. Computed tomography images showed the presence of a segment of the small bowel and a diverticulum in the right subphrenic space and paracolic gutter. The twisted mesentery and the dilated loops of the proximal small bowel were indicative of an intestinal volvulus and obstruction. Meckel's diverticulum complicated by a transmesocolic internal hernia was diagnosed, and this condition was confirmed during emergency surgery. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful. This case report highlights another presentation of Meckel's diverticulum, that is, in combination with a transmesocolic internal hernia. This etiology may lead to an intestinal volvulus and necessitate early surgery.