Complicated Meckel's diverticulum and therapeutic management

Abstract

Meckel's diverticulum is a vestigial remnant of an omphalomesenteric channel in the small bowel. It is a real congenital diverticular abnormality that contains all three layers of the small bowel. Surgical excision should be performed if Meckel's diverticulum is detected in order to avoid incidental complications such as ulceration, bleeding, bowel obstruction, diverticulitis or perforation. Meckel's diverticulitis does not have specific clinical and radiological findings. Delayed diagnosis can lead to lethal septic complications. Complications associated with Meckel's diverticulitis, especially if a definite diagnosis is not made during the preoperative period, should be considered in the differential diagnosis. In the presence of a complicated diverticulum the appropriate treatment should be emergent surgical intervention.