Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 1, 2026
Laparoscopic Choledochal Cyst Excision and Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy in Adults
Published on: February 28, 2025
Clinical analysis of Meckel diverticulum with ectopic pancreas in children: 3 case reports
Guanyu Lai1,2, Junmei Ma2, Fang Hou1,2
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
Rationale:
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding caused by Meckel diverticulum (MD) with ectopic pancreas is rare and diagnostically challenging in children, particularly due to the frequent absence of gastric mucosa leading to negative Technetium pertechnetate. This study aimed to summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics and management of this condition.
Patient Concerns:
A retrospective analysis included 3 pediatric patients (2 males, 1 female; aged 2-13 years) treated between July 2013 and March 2023. All presented with hematochezia as the primary symptom. One case was accompanied by abdominal pain, and another presented with sudden syncope.
Diagnoses:
Technetium pertechnetate was negative in all three patients. The definitive diagnosis of MD was established intraoperatively via diagnostic laparoscopy in all cases. Postoperative histopathological examination confirmed the presence of ectopic pancreatic tissue within the resected diverticula.
Interventions:
All patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopic exploration, which confirmed the MD. A laparoscopic-assisted diverticulectomy was subsequently performed.
Outcomes:
The surgical intervention completely resolved hematochezia in all children. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with patients resuming oral intake on postoperative day 3 and being discharged 4 to 5 days after surgery. Follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months showed no recurrence of symptoms, and abdominal ultrasounds revealed no abnormalities.
Lessons:
MD with ectopic pancreas in children lacks specific clinical manifestations. Preoperative diagnosis is challenging, as the absence of gastric mucosa often results in negative Technetium pertechnetate. Laparoscopic exploration serves as a valuable minimally invasive approach that provides both definitive diagnosis and therapeutic management in cases with high clinical suspicion.
Insights
Meckel diverticulum with ectopic pancreas is a rare cause of pediatric lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Laparoscopic exploration offers a minimally invasive approach for diagnosis and treatment, even with negative imaging scans.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Lower gastrointestinal bleeding in children due to Meckel diverticulum (MD) with ectopic pancreas is rare and difficult to diagnose.
- Absence of gastric mucosa often leads to false-negative Technetium pertechnetate scans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics and management of Meckel diverticulum with ectopic pancreas in pediatric patients.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and effective treatment strategies for this rare condition.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 3 pediatric patients (aged 2-13 years) with hematochezia.
- All patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy, followed by laparoscopic-assisted diverticulectomy.
- Histopathological examination confirmed ectopic pancreatic tissue in resected diverticula.
Main Results:
- Hematochezia resolved completely in all patients post-surgery.
- Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with discharge 4-5 days after surgery.
- No symptom recurrence observed during 6-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Meckel diverticulum with ectopic pancreas in children presents with non-specific symptoms, making preoperative diagnosis challenging.
- Negative Technetium pertechnetate scans are common due to absent gastric mucosa.
- Laparoscopic exploration is a valuable minimally invasive tool for diagnosis and treatment in suspected cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
01:26Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP
Patient...