Meckel's diverticulum: a surgical dilemma?
In spite of the fact that Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital abnormality of the small bowel, there is considerable controversy concerning its surgical management. Resection of a symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum is not a common operation in the experience of most general surgeons. As illustrated by the cases presented in this series, the indications for operation are usually clear. Should abdominal exploration routinely include a search for a Meckel's diverticulum and should it be resected in the absence of symptoms? Although there is no compelling evidence to support the opinion that an asymptomatic Meckel's diverticulum constitutes a major threat to the future well-being of a patient, it is apparent that incidental removal is associated with minimal risk of complications. What are the medicolegal implications? A series of 13 patients is presented to review the salient features of this interesting anomaly, together with pertinent comments from the literature.
D000328:Adult; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000150:complications; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000150:complications; D007443:Intussusception / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008467:Meckel Diverticulum / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012007:Rectum