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Published on: November 1, 2018

Meckel's diverticulum: a systematic review

Jayesh Sagar1, Vikas Kumar, D K Shah

  • 1Department of Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK. jsagar_2001@yahoo.com

Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
|October 6, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Meckel

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • It can lead to various complications, including bleeding, obstruction, and perforation.
  • Diagnosis in adults is often delayed or missed, despite potential complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on Meckel's diverticulum complications in adults.
  • To highlight diagnostic challenges and discuss management strategies for this condition in the adult population.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of Meckel's diverticulum in adults.
  • Analysis of complications, diagnostic difficulties, and treatment approaches.

Main Results:

  • Complications like hemorrhage, intussusception, and obstruction are significant in adults.
  • Delayed diagnosis in adults contributes to increased morbidity.
  • Rare complications include fistulae and tumors.

Conclusions:

  • Meckel's diverticulum is a significant cause of gastrointestinal issues in adults.
  • Increased awareness and timely diagnosis are crucial for effective management.
  • Further research into optimal diagnostic and management strategies is warranted.

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