Meckel's diverticulum: a ten-year experience

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology
• Congenital Anomalies

Background:

• Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the small intestine.
• While often asymptomatic, MD can lead to complications like bleeding, obstruction, or inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors predicting symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum.
• To evaluate the morbidity and mortality associated with surgical resection of MD.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 58 patients with Meckel's diverticulum from 1984-1994.
• Data collected included age, sex, presentation, therapy, pathology, and surgical outcomes.

Main Results:

• 45 of 58 MD cases were incidental findings; 13 were symptomatic, most commonly causing bowel obstruction.
• Surgical resection of MD had no associated morbidity or mortality.
• Male sex was the only potential predictor of symptomatic presentation, though not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

• No definitive factors predict symptomatic development in incidentally found Meckel's diverticulum.
• Given the low surgical risks and potential for complications, incidental Meckel's diverticulum should be resected unless contraindicated.