Meckel's diverticulum in the adult

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital anomaly of the small intestine.
• It can lead to various gastrointestinal complications, often presenting in young adults.
• Diagnosis and management are crucial for preventing morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the clinical presentation and outcomes of surgically treated Meckel's diverticula.
• To identify common causes of symptoms and complications associated with Meckel's diverticula.
• To emphasize the diagnostic importance in specific clinical scenarios.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 49 adult patients undergoing Meckel's diverticulectomy over 15 years.
• Analysis of surgical findings, presenting symptoms, and histological results.
• Evaluation of operative outcomes and complications.

Main Results:

• 49% of Meckel's diverticula caused symptoms; 51% were incidental findings.
• Symptomatic cases included inflammation (10), small bowel obstruction (8), and rectal bleeding (4).
• Heterotopic tissue was found in 6 symptomatic cases, all requiring intervention.

Conclusions:

• Meckel's diverticulum is a significant cause of gastrointestinal symptoms in adults.
• Acute small bowel obstruction and rectal bleeding in young adults warrant consideration of Meckel's diverticulum.
• Surgical management of symptomatic Meckel's diverticula is safe with no operative mortality in this series.