ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of the Meckel's diverticulum [MD] and to study its clinical profile and surgical outcome, as well as to check whether diverticulectomy is indicated for asymptomatic MD in adults. This is a prospective study of 1332 patients who were operated upon for acute abdomen during the period August 1999 to July 2009 in a single surgical unit. Preoperative abdominal ultrasonography and plain x-ray abdomen [erect] were done depending on the necessity. These patients were subjected to laparotomy/ appendicectomy depending on the case. A search for MD was done, and if found, surgical resection and analysis by histopathological confirmation of the resected MD were performed. During the operation, this study detected 15 [1.13%] patients with MD. In none of these cases, preoperative diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulitis was made. The age of the patients ranged from 18 to 68 years [mean age, 32.9 years]. Out of 15 patients, 0 [60%] were males; 6 [40%] were females. Seven [46.7%] cases were symptomatic due to MD and 8 [53.3%] were asymptomatic. One patient presented with hematochezia; 2, with intestinal obstruction due to gangrene of the MD; and 4, with Meckel's diverticulitis. One patient had duplication of [double] Meckel's diverticulum without any inflammation in both the diverticulae. Histopathological examination of these specimens confirmed 4 cases with inflammation; 2, with gangrene; and 1, with ulcerated gastric mucosa in the MD. Among these, in 2 [13.3%] cases there was heterotopic epithelium [ulcerated gastric mucosa- 1, colonic mucosa- 1]. We recommend that a search for MD in every case of appendicectomy / laparotomy done for acute abdomen should be conducted, and if found, Meckel's diverticulectomy or resection should be performed to avoid secondary complications arising from it