Summary

Common complications of Meckel's diverticulum in children include gastrointestinal haemorrhage, intestinal obstruction or intussuception and diverticulitis. Here, the rare case of a perforated, non-inflamed Meckel's diverticulum causing significant haemoperitoneum in a young child, is reported. The case highlights the potential for rapid deterioration of patients with complications form vitelline duct abnormalities, for which surgical exploration should not be delayed.