A case of perforated Meckel’s diverticulitis tethered to the umbilicus associated with a urachal remnant

Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) occurs in 2% of the population and is often asymptomatic. It is an embryological remnant of the oomphalomesenteric duct and can be associated with another embryonic structure—the urachus. A 23-year-old male presented with generalized abdominal pain and fever on a background of chronic abdominal pain and recurrent urinary infections. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed an inflamed MD. Next day, the patient deteriorated and was taken to theatre. The MD was found to be both perforated and tethered to the umbilicus, which itself was directly related to an abnormal extra-peritoneal structure—shown to be a urachal remnant. Such cases pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Young males with chronic abdominal pain and recurrent urinary infections should be thoroughly investigated for such pathology. Laparoscopic approach to such cases should be undertaken with caution due to possible umbilical tethering.