Meckel's diverticulum: revisited

ABSTRACT

Meckel's diverticulum [MD] remains an interesting congenital anomaly which often eludes the medical profession Over a l6year period [1981-1996] there were 32 patients in all age groups with documented MD presenting to the American University of Beirut Medical Center. Seventeen cases were incidental findings at operation, while 15 patients were symptomatic. Eleven of the 15 patients [73%] were less than 16 years of age. Small bowel obstruction was the presenting symptom in seven cases [47%], rectal bleeding in 5 cases [33%], and diverticulitis in 3 cases [20%]. Seven cases [47%] had more than one associated complication pertaining to the MD. One of our patients underwent laparoscopic diagnosis and resection of MD. There were no complications and no mortality in the overall group. The overall preoperative diagnostic rate in MD is still low, especially in patients presenting with small bowel obstruction or diverticulitis. Emphasis must be placed on cases that present with simultaneous complications of bleeding and obstruction or diverticulitis and obstruction. Laparoscopy is at present an invaluable tool both diagnostically and therapeutically in the management of MD