[Clinical importance of Meckel's diverticulum]

Between 1966 und 1975 42 children and 46 adults were operated on Meckel's diverticulum. The diverticulum is explained as one of the possible disturbances during regression of ductus omphaloentericus. The appendicitis-like symptomatology correlates to the involvement of gastric and colonic mucosa as well as heterotopic exo- and endocrine tissue of the pancreas in the wall of the diverticulum. In 34% complications were due to inflammation, perforation, bleeding, intussusception, volvulus, gut-strangulation with ileus, ulcer, neoplasia or lesion by foreign bodies. 4 out of 88 patients died. Preoperative diagnostic fails in 75%, therefore in every case the distal gut should be inspected and every diverticulum should be resected.