[Meckel's diverticulum in adults. A 3-decade experience]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital gastrointestinal malformation.
• Manifestations in adults are infrequent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and characteristics of adult Meckel's diverticulum.
• To analyze diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 31 years of patient data.
• Analysis of identified cases of Meckel's diverticulum.

Main Results:

• Meckel's diverticulum identified in 13 adult cases.
• Right lower quadrant abdominal pain was the most common symptom; no cases of bleeding.
• Pre-operative diagnosis was accurate in only one patient.
• All patients had a satisfactory post-operative course.

Conclusions:

• Complications of Meckel's diverticulum in adults are rare.
• Right lower quadrant pain and intestinal obstruction are the most frequent presentations.
• Accurate pre-operative diagnosis remains a challenge.