[Asymptomatic carcinoid in a Meckel's diverticulum as the incidental finding in the operation of an abdominal aortic aneurysm].

A case report is given of a patient who had surgery because of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. During laparotomy a tumor in Meckel's diverticulum was found, which was removed by tangential incision without opening the intestine as to avoid an infection of the prosthesis. The tumor had a diameter of 1.5 cm and histology showed transmural spread of the carcinoid tissue; under these conditions further metastatic spread is possible. After the patient had recovered successfully from aneurysm surgery he was operated again and partial resection of the small intestine including the regional lymphatic system was performed. Carcinoid tissue was found during histological examination in the submucosal layer of the intestine in the area where surgery had been done before; no pathological changes however were found in the mesenterium. Thus the patient can be considered to be cured.