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Meckel's diverticulum-Revisited

Ajaz A Malik1, , Khurshid A Wani

  • 1Department of General Surgery, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Science, Srinagar, Kashmir, India.

Saudi Journal of Gastroenterology : Official Journal of the Saudi Gastroenterology Association
|January 13, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Meckel's diverticulum, a common congenital gastrointestinal abnormality, arises from incomplete fetal development. Diagnosis can be challenging as it often mimics other conditions, despite its potential for complications.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Embryology
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital anomaly of the small intestine.
  • It results from the incomplete obliteration of the vitelline duct during fetal development.
  • Approximately 50% of cases involve ectopic or heterotopic tissue, increasing complication risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a systematic literature review on Meckel's diverticulum.
  • To investigate its history, incidence, and embryological basis.
  • To analyze clinical presentation, complications, and management strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of existing medical literature.
  • Analysis of historical data, incidence rates, and embryological origins.
  • Review of clinical case reports and management guidelines.

Main Results:

  • Meckel's diverticulum is the most frequent congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Diagnosis is frequently difficult, with presentations often mimicking other diseases.
  • Potential complications arise from ectopic tissue, leading to varied clinical scenarios.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the embryology and varied presentations of Meckel's diverticulum is crucial for diagnosis.
  • Despite being common, its diagnosis remains challenging, necessitating high clinical suspicion.
  • Effective management requires awareness of its potential complications and differential diagnoses.

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