Meckel’s diverticulum: Clinical manifestations and complications

ABSTRACT

Background: Meckel’s diverticulum (MD), a congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract due to failed vitelline duct obliteration, affects 2% of population. It is a true diverticulum located along the antimesenteric border of distal ileum within 100 cm of the ileocecal valve. It contains heterotropic mucosa, 60% of which is gastric mucosa followed by pancreatic acini, colonic mucosa, etc. The key surgical principle is to completely remove symptomatic ectopic tissue. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to investigate clinical features and common complications of MD in different ages and genders that serve as a reminder to clinicians evaluating potential cases and help them giving proper management. Materials and Methods: A combined prospective and retrospective study of 30 patients operated for MD found incidentally on operative table or planned electively was done. Results: In our study, there was a clear male predominance with 21 cases (70%). It was more common in young and middle age (11–40 years) with 26 cases (86%). Common symptomatic presentations were obstruction (30%), perforation (13%), and diverticulitis (10%). The cases were surgically managed according to the size of base and length of the diverticulum. Post-operative complications were commonly seen in older age and symptomatic patients. Conclusion: MD is having low incidence, overlapping signs and symptoms of other conditions and higher post-operative complications. Hence, it is quite important to include it in differential diagnosis, diagnose it early and apply prompt surgical management.