[Meckel's diverticulum in childhood]

For a period of 12 years (1977-1988) 64 children with Meckel's diverticulum (32 boys and 32 girls) have been operated. In early childhood (younger than 3 years) were 14.1 per cent; most of the others (59.4 per cent) were in school age. Complicated Meckel's diverticulum had 31.2 per cent of the children, the most common complication being intestinal obstruction--65 per cent (intussusception 25 per cent, strangulation 25 per cent and volvulus 15 per cent). Acute diverticulitis was found in 25 per cent of the complicated cases. In the clinical picture of these complications lacked cause-pathognomonic symptoms. The Meckel's diverticulum was removed in 60 children (93.8 per cent) the operation was cuneiform resection of the diverticulum in 96.6 per cent of the operated children. Only one child (1.7 per cent) had postoperative complication. All others were discharged from the clinic in full surgical repair. Practical inferences were made, based on analysis of the clinical case material.