Laparoscopic resection for incidentally detected Meckel diverticulum

Abstract

The management of Meckel diverticulum found unexpectedly during an abdominal operation remains controversial. Most published reports have included only patients undergoing diverticulectomy or bowel resection through laparotomy. We report a case of a carcinoid tumor in a Meckel's diverticulum which was incidentally detected and removed during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Although there is no compelling evidence in the literature to recommend prophylactic diverticulectomy, laparoscopic stapled resection represents a viable and safe approach in healthy individuals undergoing elective surgery for other purposes.

Figure 1

Meckel diverticulum found unexpectedly during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (A) and resection of the diverticulum with an endoscopic linear stapler (B).

Figure 2

Meckel diverticulum with a nodule 1.5 cm in size (HE, × 1.5) (A), superficial infiltration of the diverticulum wall (HE, × 10) (B), and immuno-histochemical stain with chromogranin A showing a strongly positive reaction and normal intestinal mucosa with control stain of endocrine single cells on the right (× 10) (C).