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Complicated Meckel diverticulum in a 15-year-old boy

Amanda Swickard1, John M Grosel

  • 1At the time this article was written, Amanda Swickard was a student in the PA program at Marietta (Ohio) College. She now practices trauma surgery at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, S.C. John M. Grosel is a radiologist at Riverside Radiology and Interventional Associates, Inc., and an associate professor in the PA program at Marietta College. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

JAAPA : Official Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants
|October 28, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Meckel diverticulum, a common gastrointestinal anomaly, often mimics appendicitis in children. Diagnosis and treatment of complicated cases are best managed with laparoscopy.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Congenital Anomalies

Background:

  • Meckel diverticulum is the most frequent congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting approximately 2% of the population.
  • It represents a common cause of pediatric surgical emergencies, frequently presenting with symptoms overlapping those of acute appendicitis.

Observation:

  • The clinical presentation of Meckel diverticulum can be varied, with gastrointestinal hemorrhage being the most common manifestation.
  • Intussusception is another significant complication, leading to bowel obstruction.

Findings:

  • Laparoscopy is established as the gold standard for the diagnosis of complicated Meckel diverticulum.
  • Minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques are also the preferred method for the surgical treatment of symptomatic Meckel diverticulum.

Implications:

  • Early diagnosis and laparoscopic intervention are crucial for managing Meckel diverticulum complications.
  • Understanding these presentations aids in differentiating Meckel diverticulum from other pediatric surgical conditions, optimizing patient outcomes.

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