[Meckel's diverticulum in childhood. The authors' own experience]

Meckel's diverticulum occurs in approximately 2 percent of the population and may present at any age. Although Meckel's diverticulum may produce an intestinal obstruction or perforation, simulating an appendicitis, hemorrhage is its most important clinical presentation. From 1989 to 1994, Meckel's diverticulum was discovered in ten children at laparotomy. Three cases were asymptomatic, representing an incidental finding at laparotomy. Of the seven symptomatic patients, four presented with bowel obstruction (intussusception), three had rectal bleeding one of whom had diverticulitis. Contrast studies--in gastrointestinal hemorrhage--were not helpful in establishing the diagnosis; colonoscopy and gastroscopy ruled out other causes of bleeding. Five of seven symptomatic patients had an intestinal resection while two a diverticulectomy after assessment that the ulcer did not require resection. No postoperative morbidity and mortality is reported in either groups. A Meckel's diverticulum found incidentally at laparotomy should be always resected as the risk of complication is high and that of resection low.