Meckel′s diverticulum in children: clinical analysis of 27 cases

Abstract

Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics of Meckel's diverticulum. Methods 27 patients (22 males and 5 females) with Meckel's diverticulum from January 2003 to March 2009 were confirmed by surgery and pathological examination. They were retrospectively analyzed by reviewing and following up. Results According to clinical manifestations, the patients were divided into four groups: 2 cases of asymptomatic, 15 cases of hematochezia, 9 cases of abdominal pain, and 1 case of the other. 9 cases were performed two-holes laparoscopy assisted resection of the diverticulum, the others performed open surgery. Among the 15 cases of hematochezia, ectopic gastric mucosa could be seen in 10 cases(radionuclide examination, 7 cases of positive, 2 cases of negative and 1 case without checking), and not seen in 5 cases (all were positive in radionuclide examination). Conclusions Meckel's diverticulum in children is symptomatic when complicated. Ectopic gastric mucosa is the main reason for bleeding. Surgical resection was the treatment of Meckel's diverticulum. Key words: Meckel's diverticulum; Ectopic gastric mucosa; Laparoscopic surgical procedures