The history of Meckel's diverticulum and its complications is dominated by the unusual. Not often is one able to make a diagnosis prior to surgery, and the element of surprise is quite evident on opening the peritoneal cavity. Such were the circumstances in the following case report.
Report of a Case
A 52-year-old white man, a pharmacist, was admitted to the Field Memorial Community Hospital on Nov. 1, 1957, with a diagnosis of acute alcoholism. The patient had been drinking for approximately 14 days and had reached a point requiring medical care. Thirty-six hours after admission the patient was rational, retaining liquids and apparently on the road to recovery, when he complained of cramping abdominal pains and vomited once. These generalized cramping abdominal pains persisted, without further nausea or vomiting. The pains were not excruciating, but uncomfortable. There was no flatus following the initial episode. Six hours after the onset