Remnant Causing Obstruction! - A Case of Patent Omphalomesenteric Duct in Adult

Abstract

Omphalomesenteric duct remnant is a congenital anomaly associated with the primitive yolk stalk commonest remnant being Meckel's diverticulum. Persistence of omphalomesenteric duct in infants is a rare congenital anomaly present in 2% of the population with being completely patent is observed in about 0.1 % population. In adults, the incidence is not reported though there are a few case reports (approximately 23) out of which 13 cases presented as small bowel obstruction, 6 as mesenteric cyst, and 4 as discharge from the umbilicus. An exceptional case of persistent omphalomesenteric duct in adolescents leading to small bowel obstruction is hereby presented. After relevant investigations on exploratory laparotomy, a patent band identified as an omphalomesenteric duct causing acute small bowel obstruction was seen and resection and anastomosis were done. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 10 and is currently asymptomatic. In conclusion, the persistent omphalomesenteric duct is an extremely rare cause of obstruction of the small bowel in adults, while it can be taken into consideration in patients without a history of previous abdominal surgery.