Surgeons Discover Rare Stone-Filled Bowel Pouch
Medical staff at the Medical University of South Carolina removed a 10.5-centimeter intestinal pouch from a patient.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Weight Loss
Surgeons in South Carolina performed a procedure in April 2026 to remove a large Meckel's diverticulum that had been misidentified as an ovarian tumor. The pouch contained cholesterol-type stones and was extracted from a 70-year-old patient who had experienced significant weight loss.
Why it matters
This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of Meckel's diverticulum, a rare congenital abnormality that can mimic gynecologic conditions on imaging. Researchers hypothesize that the patient's prior gallbladder removal may have disrupted bile flow, contributing to the development of stones within the pouch.
The patient presented with a 9-centimeter pelvic mass that contained stones reaching 5 centimeters in diameter. This condition affects roughly 2% of the general population.
The players
Medical University of South Carolina
This is a public academic health science center that provides comprehensive medical care and conducts extensive clinical research.
The details
The surgery involved a collaborative team of gynecologic oncology and general surgery specialists to remove the pouch along with both ovaries. A rapid frozen-section test performed during the procedure confirmed that the tissue was benign.
Timeline
1996: A radiology study examined 84 surgically confirmed Meckel's cases.
April 20, 2026: The case report was published in a medical journal.
Health Landscape
This case follows the clinical baseline established by the 1996 radiology study on Meckel's diverticulum, which serves as a standard reference for diagnosing this congenital abnormality. The findings provide a rare documented example that extends the medical understanding of potential complications in older adults.
Patients presenting with persistent abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss should consult specialists to ensure imaging is interpreted against both gynecologic and digestive risks. The case underscores that symptoms previously attributed to age or general illness may indicate rare, treatable congenital issues.
The takeaway
This case demonstrates that intestinal abnormalities can mimic pelvic masses during diagnostic imaging. Patients with recurring abdominal swelling should discuss all prior surgeries, such as gallbladder removals, with their care team to assist in identifying atypical internal conditions.
Further reading
Find more information on clinical conditions affecting metabolism in the Weight Loss section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medical Daily.
