Appendicitis is defined as an inflammation of the appendix and is one of the most common presentations to the general surgical team. The presence of right iliac fossa pain associated with a rise in inflammatory markers raises the suspicion of appendicitis in young, healthy patients. Colitis and bowel obstruction would be considered lower down on the list of differentials. Other common differentials to take into consideration include ovarian pathology and pelvic inflammatory disease in females and diverticulitis in the other population. Investigation for these patients includes ultrasound scans, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or diagnostic laparoscopy. Imaging modality can help narrow down differentials; however, diagnostic laparoscopy can prove to be fruitful when there is diagnostic uncertainty. Meckel's diverticulum is commonly encountered within general surgery, more so within the paediatric population. Complications include bleeding, inflammation and obstruction, although this is less common in the adult population. We present a rare case of small bowel obstruction with the transition point noted to be at the location of a Meckel's diverticulum masquerading as possible appendicitis.
Keywords: gastrointestinal obstruction; meckel's diverticulum; small bowel obstruction; small bowel resection; urgent laparotomy.
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