Bleeding Meckel's diverticulum diagnosed and treated by double-balloon enteroscopy

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Diagnostic Endoscopy

Background:

• Meckel's diverticulum (MD) represents the most frequent congenital abnormality within the gastrointestinal tract.
• Diagnosing symptomatic MD can present significant clinical challenges.
• Previous case reports have highlighted the utility of double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) for visualizing MD.

Observation:

• This study details the application of DBE in a clinical scenario involving a bleeding Meckel's diverticulum.
• The procedure enabled direct visualization of the bleeding source.

Findings:

• Double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) was successfully employed for both the diagnosis and treatment of a bleeding Meckel's diverticulum.
• The findings suggest DBE is an effective tool for managing this condition.

Implications:

• The use of DBE for bleeding MD offers a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical interventions.
• This approach may improve patient outcomes and reduce recovery times for symptomatic MD.
• Further research into DBE's role in managing congenital GI anomalies is warranted.