Meckel's diverticulum: Ten years' experience

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the demographics and characteristics of children with Meckel's diverticulum (MD).

Material and methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed the medical records of all children who were treated for MD in the department of pediatric surgery of Tepecik Training and Research Hospital over a period of 10 years (1995-2004). Age, gender, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and histopathological reports were documented.

Results: In total, 57 children were diagnosed with MD. Of these, 40 children were treated surgically. Furthermore, 26 had acute abdomen, 15 had intestinal obstruction, 10 had rectal bleeding, and 6 had some other diagnosis. The mean age of the boys (n=43) was 4.77±3.82 years, whereas that of the girls (n=14) was 3.85±3.67 years. Histopathological examination revealed ectopic mucosa in 9 patients, omphalomesenteric duct remnants in 4 patients, diverticulitis in 24 patients, and ulcerations in 14 patients.

Conclusion: The prevalence of MD was 1.6%. Boys were approximately 3 times more commonly affected than girls. In most cases, the initial diagnosis was acute abdomen and the presenting symptoms on admission were intestinal obstruction and rectal bleeding.

Keywords: Meckel’s diverticulum; child; prevalence; symptom.