[Complicated Meckel diverticula: about 15 cases]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology
• Abdominal Surgery

Background:

• Meckel diverticulum is a congenital anomaly of the small intestine.
• Complications of Meckel diverticulum represent a significant cause of emergency abdominal surgery.
• These complications include obstruction, perforation, and bleeding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the clinical presentation, surgical management, and outcomes of complicated Meckel diverticula.
• To highlight the role of emergency surgery in treating Meckel diverticulum complications.
• To evaluate the morbidity and mortality associated with surgical intervention.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 15 patients with complicated Meckel diverticula.
• Data collected from emergency surgery cases over a 13-year period (January 2003-June 2016).
• Analysis of patient demographics, clinical presentation, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcomes.

Main Results:

• The primary presentations were occlusive syndrome and peritoneal irritation.
• Intestinal necrosis with perforation occurred in 10 patients at diagnosis.
• All patients underwent segmental intestinal resection with diverticulectomy; 12 had immediate anastomosis.
• Morbidity included 2 cases of fistulas and 2 of postoperative peritonitis; one death from septic shock.

Conclusions:

• Complicated Meckel diverticula are digestive emergencies requiring timely and appropriate surgical management.
• Surgical resection with primary anastomosis is feasible and effective in most cases.
• Despite advances, complications of Meckel diverticula are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.