Diagnostic features of Meckel's diverticulum using single‐balloon enteroscopy: A case series

Abstract

Diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum, the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, has improved with the development of deep bowel enteroscopy. Few studies have demonstrated the imaging of Meckel's as seen through single‐balloon enteroscopy (SBE). The present case series describes six patients with Meckel's diverticulum diagnosed by SBE. Six patients (six men) underwent SBE at the National Taiwan University Hospital for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding from June 2011 to January 2016. Mean age was 39 ± 22.1 years (range 18‐79). Meckel's was diagnosed by retrograde enteroscopy in all cases and accounted for bleeding in four. Meckel's scan was performed in two cases, and computed tomography scan was performed in four patients, none of which identified the Meckel's. Endoscopic hemostasis was performed in two patients, and Meckel's diverticulectomy was performed in one patient. We found SBE to be a viable first‐line modality for diagnosing Meckel's diverticulum. We found that SBE, similar to double‐balloon enteroscopy, provides the significant benefits of direct observation and intervention for bleeding in the small bowel, including Meckel's.