[Meckel diverticulum as a possible source of complications]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology
• Clinical Surgery

Background:

• Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital anomaly of the small intestine.
• It can be asymptomatic or present with complications.
• Understanding its presentation and outcomes is crucial for surgical management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the clinical presentation, surgical management, and outcomes of patients with Meckel's diverticulum.
• To investigate the association between heterotopic tissue and complications.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 108 operations for Meckel's diverticulum between 1980 and 1997.
• Categorization into incidental and complicated cases.
• Review of surgical procedures, postoperative complications, and histological findings.

Main Results:

• 80.55% of operations were for incidental Meckel's diverticulum, while 19.54% were for complications.
• Complications included ileus, perforation, and inflammation.
• Heterotopic tissue (gastric mucosa, pancreatic tissue) was found in 8% of incidental cases and 33.3% of complicated cases.
• Reflux gastritis-like diverticulitis was observed in patients with heterotopic gastric mucosa.

Conclusions:

• Meckel's diverticulum management varies, with a higher incidence of complications in males.
• The presence of heterotopic tissue, particularly gastric mucosa, is associated with a higher risk of complications.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention are essential for favorable outcomes.