Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 31, 2025

Surgical Management of Meatal Stenosis with Meatoplasty
Published on: November 30, 2010
The Many Faces of Meckel's Diverticulum: Update on Management in Incidental and Symptomatic Patients
Robbert-Jan Lindeman1,2, Kjetil Søreide3,4
1Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.
Purpose Of Review:
Meckel's diverticulum may be detected incidentally or present with symptoms from infancy and to old age. The presentation may be acute, with several complications associated with the condition. We aim to review the many faces with which a Meckel's diverticulum may present, either symptomatically or as an incidental finding.
Recent Findings:
Due to its rarity, recent studies mainly include small retrospective series or case reports. Emphasis in the recent literature is on clinical presentation, the pathology of symptomatic cases, management options and risks of neoplasia. Symptoms are mainly caused by obstruction, bleeding or diverticulitis. Cross-sectional imaging is unspecific, although capsule endoscopy is reported of use in case series. Meckel's diverticulum presents with clinical features that are age-specific. Complicated Meckel's diverticulum is treated by resection. Optimal treatment of incidental cases remains debated. Meckel's diverticulum usually stays asymptomatic, and decision-making for management should be based on patient-specific factors. Use of minimal invasive techniques mandates refinement of the optimal treatment.
Insights
Meckel's diverticulum presents with varied symptoms and complications across all ages. Management decisions for this rare condition depend on patient-specific factors and whether it is found incidentally or causes symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital anomaly of the small intestine.
- It can be asymptomatic or present with diverse complications throughout life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the varied presentations of Meckel's diverticulum.
- To discuss symptomatic and incidental findings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies, including retrospective series and case reports.
- Emphasis on clinical presentation, pathology, and management options.
Main Results:
- Symptoms commonly arise from obstruction, bleeding, or diverticulitis.
- Cross-sectional imaging is often unspecific; capsule endoscopy shows utility.
- Presentations and management are age-specific; complicated cases require resection.
Conclusions:
- Optimal management of incidental Meckel's diverticulum is debated and should be individualized.
- Minimal invasive techniques require further refinement for optimal treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:

