Meckel Diverticulum Linked to Fishbone Perforations
A 2025 medical review identified the congenital pouch as a site for intestinal injuries caused by fish bones.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Nutrition
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A review of 58 fishbone perforation cases found that 18.2% occurred in the Meckel diverticulum, a congenital pouch found in about 2% of the population. Surgeons in Quito, Ecuador, successfully treated one such case in September 2026 using a laparoscopic procedure.
Why it matters
The narrow anatomical structure and sharp bends of a Meckel diverticulum make it highly prone to trapping swallowed fishbones. Age-related tooth loss or the use of dentures can diminish oral sensation, increasing the risk of accidental ingestion.
A 2025 study found that fishbones cause 63% of complications from swallowed foreign objects, with 79.3% of those cases requiring surgical intervention. Researchers noted the average Meckel diverticulum measures 2.9 centimeters in length and 1.9 centimeters in width.
The players
Frontiers in Medicine
This is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal that publishes research across various medical disciplines.
The details
The diverticulum acts as a side pocket in the bowel, creating a trap for sharp objects that pass through the digestive system. In the September 2026 Quito case, physicians treated a patient who presented with a C-reactive protein level of 120 mg/L.
Timeline
A review of reported fishbone perforation cases occurred between 1949 and 2025.
The review was published in Frontiers in Medicine in August 2025.
Surgeons in Quito treated a fishbone perforation in September 2026.
The Quito case report was published on September 18, 2026.
The Big Picture
This surgical case follows the classification patterns established by the 2025 Frontiers in Medicine review of 58 fishbone perforation cases. The findings highlight how localized anatomical anomalies can complicate standard cases of accidental foreign body ingestion.
Individuals who wear dentures or have experienced significant tooth loss should exercise caution when consuming fish to avoid accidental bone ingestion. If symptoms of abdominal pain occur after a meal, patients should seek imaging, as CT scans successfully identify such foreign bodies in 60.3% of cases.
The takeaway
Understanding the role of congenital structures like the Meckel diverticulum can assist surgeons in diagnosing mysterious abdominal pain. Patients should remain vigilant regarding food preparation to minimize the risk of swallowing sharp foreign objects.
Further reading
For more information on digestive health and related complications, visit the Nutrition section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medical Daily.
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