Laparoscopic treatment of intestinal obstruction due to a vitelline vascular remnant and simultaneous appendicitis: a case report

BACKGROUND: The presence of a vitelline vascular remnant is rare, and definitive preoperative diagnosis is difficult. We herein describe a case of intestinal obstruction caused by a vitelline vascular remnant with mild chronic appendicitis successfully diagnosed and treated with laparoscopic surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 14-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with sudden-onset right lower abdominal pain and vomiting. A blood test on admission revealed slight leukocytosis. Computed tomography scan showed that the appendiceal wall was enhanced and thickened. Although the ileum was slightly dilated and ascites was present at the recto-vesical pouch, these were thought to be inflammatory changes secondary to appendicitis. Laparoscopic surgery was performed using three trocars. Strangulated small bowel obstruction caused by a band connecting the right medial umbilical fold to the ileal mesentery was found intraoperatively. After reduction, neither ischemic change of the small intestine nor Meckel’s diverticulum was detected. The appendix was slightly inflamed, and serous ascites was present at the recto-vesical pouch; therefore, appendectomy was also performed. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 4 without complications. Pathological examination revealed that the band consisted of blood vessels, and it was diagnosed as a vitelline vascular remnant. The appendix included fecal stones and showed chronic inflammatory change histologically; the patient was thus diagnosed with chronic appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS: Definitive preoperative diagnosis of a vitelline vascular remnant, especially with coexisting appendicitis, might be difficult. Laparoscopic surgery might be useful for patients who demonstrate unusual symptoms because it allows for simultaneous diagnosis and treatment.