T-shaped Meckel’s Diverticulum: An Exceptional Incidental Finding during Appendectomy, A Case Report

Abstract: Meckel’s diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, yet it is rarely encountered as an incidental operative finding in adults. We report the case of a 25-year-old man with no past medical history who presented with 48 hours of right iliac fossa pain and fever. Laboratory tests showed marked leukocytosis (21,000/mm³) and elevated C-reactive protein (71 mg/L), with no other abnormalities. The clinical picture was consistent with acute appendicitis and the patient underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. Intraoperatively, an unexpected T-shaped Meckel’s diverticulum was identified on the distal ileum, representing an exceptional anatomical variant. A diverticulectomy was performed during the same procedure. The postoperative course was uneventful. This case highlights the importance of systematic exploration during appendectomy and discusses management considerations of incidentally discovered Meckel’s diverticulum in adults.