Abdominal disorders arising from 71 Meckel's diverticulum

Abstract

Background and aims: The study was done to investigate the frequency of Meckel's diverticulum, and its manifestations as the cause of abdominal disorders.

Material and methods: The material consisted of 71 patients with Meckel's diverticulum treated in our hospital during the years 1988-1998. From the material the age and sex were analyzed as well the outcome of patients. The histological findings of diverticulectomies were evaluated.

Results: In a retrospective analysis 46 males (65.5%) and 25 females (34.5%) were found. At the same eleven-year study period Meckel's diverticulum was found during 55 out of 3758 appendicectomies (1.5%). The age of patients ranged from 11 months to 87 years (mean 30.4 years). Preoperatively the diagnosis was made in three cases: two patients with TC-99m scanning and one patient with intestinal passage radiography. 46 Meckel's diverticles were asymptomatic, but 25 (34.5%) cases were symptomatic. Nine patients had ulcer in the diverticulum, which was perforated in five cases. Eight patients had intestinal occlusion, five patients had Meckel's diverticulitis, two patients had invagination, and in one case a sharp piece of plastic material had perforated the Meckel's diverticulum.

Conclusion: Meckel's diverticulum should be searched in the laparotomy due to acute abdomen. It can be the cause of serious abdominal complications.