Sodium pertechnetate scintigraphy in detection of Meckel's diverticulum: is it usable?

Tc-99m scan for pediatric bleeding Meckel diverticulum:a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Meckel diverticulum (MD) is a common malformation of the digestive tract, often accompanied by serious complications. It is important to find safe and effective diagnostic methods for screening MD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a technetium-99m (Tc-99m) scan for pediatric bleeding MD.

METHODS

The authors conducted a systematic review of studies published in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science before 1 January 2023. Studies based on PICOS were included in this systematic review. The flow chart was made by PRISMA software. The quality of included studies was assessed by RevMan5 software (QUADAS-2: Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2). The sensitivity, specificity, and other measurements of accuracy were pooled using Stata/SE 12.0 software.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies with 1115 children were included in this systematic review. A randomized-effects model was used for the meta-analysis because of significant heterogeneity. The combined sensitivity and specificity were 0.80 [Confidence Interval (95% CI, 0.73-0.86) and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.86-0.98)], respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.85-0.90). Publication bias (Begg's test p = 0.053) was observed.

CONCLUSION

Tc-99m scan has high specificity, but moderate sensitivity, which is always influenced by some factors. Hence, the Tc-99m scan has some limitations in the diagnosis of pediatric bleeding MD.

Meckel's diverticulum diagnosed by double‐balloon enteroscopy: A single‐center retrospective study in Taiwan

Background and Aim

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is a common congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Although a few patients with MD present symptoms, preoperative diagnosis of MD is a clinical challenge because of its endoscopic inaccessibility. The aim of the present study was to investigate patients with MD diagnosed by double‐balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in Taiwan.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study in a tertiary referral center in middle Taiwan. The clinical characteristics, endoscopic features, histopathological findings, treatment methods, and outcomes of patients with MD diagnosed by DBE were analyzed.

Results

A total of 14 male patients with MD diagnosed by DBE were enrolled. The mean age of all patients was 32.3 years. GI bleeding (78.6%) accounted for the major indication of DBE, followed by abdominal pain and Crohn's disease follow‐up. The mean distance between the ileocecal valve and MD was 68.9 cm. The average length of 12 patients with surgically resected MD was 5.2 cm. The diagnostic yields of the other modalities excepting DBE are as follows: capsule endoscopy, 50%; Meckel's scan, 11.1%; computed tomography, 16.7%; small bowel series, 0%; and angiography, 33.3%. MD presented as a large ostium in 13 patients (92.9%), a small ostium in 1 patient (7.1%), and bleeding signs in 10 patients (71.4%). Twelve patients (85.7%) underwent surgical treatment and 2 patients (14.3%) received conservative treatment. Heterotopic gastric tissue was identified in 4 patients (28.6%).

Conclusion

The present study showed that DBE is a more powerful modality in detecting MD than the other conventional modalities in Taiwan.

Meckel's Diverticulum Diagnosed by Balloon-Assisted Enteroscopy: A Multicenter Report from the Taiwan Association for the Study of Small Intestinal Diseases (TASSID)

Background and Aims

Patients with Meckel's diverticulum (MD) are difficult to preoperatively diagnose because of its endoscopic inaccessibility. Balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) allows endoscopic access to the entire small intestine. The aim of the current study was to investigate patients with MD diagnosed by BAE in Taiwan.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, multicenter study of patients with MD who were diagnosed by BAE in Taiwan. The clinical characteristics, endoscopic features, histopathological findings, treatment methods, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

A total of 55 patients with MD were enrolled (46 males and 9 females). The mean age at diagnosis was 34.1 years. Overt gastrointestinal bleeding (87.3%) was the primary indication for BAE, followed by abdominal pain (9.1%), suspected small bowel tumor (1.8%), and Crohn's disease follow-up (1.8%). The mean distance between the ileocecal valve and MD was 71.6 cm (regarding diagnostic yields: BAE—100%, capsule endoscopy—40%, Meckel's scan—35.7%, computed tomography—14.6%, small bowel series—12.5%, and angiography—11.1%; regarding endoscopic features of MD: a large ostium—89.1%, a small ostium—7.3%, and a polypoid mass—3.6%). Surgical treatment was performed in 76.4% patients, and conservative treatment was performed in 23.6% patients. The mean length of MD in 42 patients who underwent surgical resection was 5.2 cm (in 43 patients of MD with available histopathology: heterotopic gastric tissue, 42.4%, heterotopic gastric and pancreatic tissues, 7%; heterotopic pancreatic tissue, 4.7%; heterotopic colonic tissue, 2.3%; and a neuroendocrine tumor, 2.3%).

Conclusions

The current study showed BAE is a very useful modality for detecting MD compared with other conventional modalities.

Complicated Meckel's Diverticulum in Children: Clinical Presentation, Diagnostic Work-Out, Surgical Approach and Postoperative Complications

Introduction Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. The majority of cases are asymptomatic and in cases with complications, the diagnosis may be a challenge and the surgical approach is not obvious. The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic process and surgical approach in relation to clinical presentation. The secondary aim was to evaluate the severity of postoperative complications.  Methods A two-center, retrospective analysis of all children below the age of 15 years, operated for complications to MD during the period from January 2003 to December 2016. Results A total of 58 patients were included. In the 40 patients presenting with an acute abdomen an average of 2.3 preoperative diagnostic investigations was performed. In only five cases an MD was recognized preoperatively. In the 18 patients presenting with rectal bleeding or melaena an average of 3.2 preoperative investigations were performed and in only one case the MD was recognized preoperatively. Laparoscopy was the surgical approach in 36 patients (62%) with a conversion in 8. Postoperative complications were seen in two patients (Clavien-Dindo II and IIIb). Conclusion Despite extensive diagnostic work-out an MD was recognized in only a few patients preoperatively. Laparoscopy was the surgical approach in two-thirds of the patients.

Perforated Meckel's Diverticulum in an Adult

Meckel's diverticulum is the commonest congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. Its complications have an extensive variety of clinical and imaging manifestations, extending from benign and indolent findings to acute life-threatening conditions. Complicated Meckel's diverticulum often constitutes a challenging diagnosis for both the clinician and the radiologist. Therefore, imaging techniques play an important role in this condition in evaluating its complications, determining decision making. We describe a case of a 49-year-old man suffering from right abdominal pain with fever and constipation, during the past 5 days. Laboratory data revealed C-reactive protein of 306 mg/L and leukocytosis. Contrast-enhanced CT features were highly suggestive of perforated Meckel's diverticulum. The purpose of this article is to emphasize that besides its rarity, Meckel's diverticulum complications can occur in adult patients.

The Coexistence of a Horseshoe Kidney and Meckel Diverticulum With Dramatic Mobility Revealed Through 99mTc Pertechnetate Imaging

A previously healthy 11-year-old boy with intermittent abdominal pain and bloody stool underwent Meckel scintigraphy. On the initial images, there was a faint U-shaped activity in the mid-abdominal region, which gradually faded and evolved into distinct foci of radiotracer accumulation in the later images. One of the foci changed its location during the study, suspected as moving Meckel diverticulum. A horseshoe kidney was noted by subsequent CT images, which corresponded to nonmoving foci. A Meckel diverticulum was confirmed after exploratory laparotomy, accounted for moving focus on Merkel scintigraphy.

Systematic review of epidemiology, presentation, and management of Meckel's diverticulum in the 21st century

BACKGROUND

The contemporary demographics and prevalence of Meckel's diverticulum, clinical presentation and management is not well described. Thus, this article aims to review the recent literature concerning Meckel's diverticulum.

METHODS

A systematic PubMed/Medline database search using the terms "Meckel" and "Meckel's" combined with "diverticulum." English language articles published from January 1, 2000 to July 31, 2017 were considered. Studies reporting on the epidemiology of Meckel's diverticulum were included.

RESULTS

Of 857 articles meeting the initial search criteria, 92 articles were selected. Only 4 studies were prospective. The prevalence is reported between 0.3% and 2.9% in the general population. Meckels' diverticulum is located 7 to 200 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve (mean 52.4 cm), it is 0.4 to 11.0 cm long (mean 3.05 cm), 0.3 to 7.0 cm in diameter (mean 1.58 cm), and presents with symptoms in 4% to 9% of patients. The male-to-female (M:F 1.5-4:1) gender distribution is reported up to 4 times more frequent in men. Symptomatic patients are usually young. Of the pediatric symptomatic patients, 46.7% have obstruction, 25.3% have hemorrhage, and 19.5% have inflammation as presenting symptom. Corresponding values for adults are 35.6%, 27.3%, and 29.4%. Ectopic gastric tissue is present in 24.2% to 71.0% of symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum, is associated with hemorrhage and is the most common form of ectopic tissue, followed by ectopic pancreatic tissue present in 0% to 12.0%.

CONCLUSION

The epidemiological patterns and clinical presentation appears stable in the 21st century. A symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum is managed by resection. The issue of prophylactic in incidental Meckel's diverticulum resection remains controversial.

Multifaceted behavior of Meckel's diverticulum in children

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is one of the most common congenital malformations of gastrointestinal tract in children. However, the nonspecific clinical manifestations of MD often cause a diagnostic as well as therapeutic challenge to pediatric surgeon. This study aimed to review our experience in managing this disease while evaluating the management strategies.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of all patients diagnosed with MD admitted to our center between January 2010 and December 2015. Factors documented including demographic criteria, clinical manifestations, preoperative examinations, surgical methods, histopathological characteristics, postoperative complications, and outcomes.

RESULTS

The patients included 210 males and 76 females, aged from 1day to 15years. In fifty three patients, the MD was an incidental finding at laparotomy or laparoscopy. The remaining 233 patients were symptomatic and presented with various clinical features. Ninety nine patients presented with episodes of bleeding per rectum or melena. Fifty six patients demonstrated symptoms of diverticulitis or perforated MD. Forty patients were diagnosed as intestinal obstruction, and 35 patients with intussusception requiring surgical reduction. Two cases of Littre hernia and one case of foreign body trapped in MD were also observed in this group. Six patients misdiagnosed as appendicitis at another institution were reoperated in our department. Among the 99 patients with bleeding per rectum, 78 underwent a Tc-99m scan that showed a positive tracer in 55 patients and negative in 23. All patients underwent resection of the diverticulum, except for 2 cases of postponed resection. Histology revealed ectopic gastric mucosa or ectopic pancreatic tissue in 154 patients; significant differences were observed between the symptomatic group and the accidentally found group. One patient died of peritonitis and sepsis postoperatively; one case of anastomotic leak and one case of adhesive intestinal obstruction were reoperated.

CONCLUSION

Meckel's diverticulum has various clinical presentations and it is difficult to make a precise diagnosis preoperatively. It is necessary to maintain a high suspicion of MD in the pediatric age group with symptoms of abdominal pain, gastrointestinal hemorrhage or intestinal obstruction. Heterotopic tissue is the main cause of complicated diverticulum, and it is safe and feasible to remove the incidentally found MD. Laparoscopy should become the first choice of methods in diagnosis and treatment of MD.

TYPE OF STUDY

Treatment study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Intestinal hemorrhage caused by Meckel's diverticulum with ectopic gastric mucosa on polypoid lesion: a case report

Meckel’s diverticulum may sometimes present as an intraluminal polypoid mass causing small bowel obstruction; however, gastrointestinal bleeding due to Meckel’s diverticulum with a polypoid lesion is rare. A 14-year-old girl presented with tarry stool and syncope in our hospital. Laboratory examination showed iron-deficiency anemia with a low hemoglobin level of 5.8 g/dl. The bleeding site was detected by neither upper gastrointestinal endoscopy nor colonoscopy. Transanal double-balloon enteroscopy showed a diverticulum with an ulceration at a site approximately 50 cm from the ileocecal valve and a polypoid lesion inside of the diverticulum. Histopathological examination of a polypoid lesion revealed an ectopic gastric mucosa of the fundic type. Furthermore, technetium-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy showed a hot spot in her lower right abdomen. On the basis of these findings, she was diagnosed as having hemorrhagic Meckel’s diverticulum. Single-incision laparoscopy-assisted segmental bowel resection of the ileum was performed. The patient recovered well, and she was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 7. She was doing well 6 months later without evidence of reoccurrence. In this report, we describe a case of Meckel’s diverticulum with a polypoid lesion; hemorrhage may have occurred owing to the ulceration of the ileal mucosa with which the polypoid lesion directly came in contact. We consider this case to be of interest to gain insight into the site and mechanism of ulceration associated with Meckel’s diverticulum.

Evaluating the Patient with Right Lower Quadrant Pain

Right lower quadrant pain is one of the most common indications for imaging evaluation of the abdomen in the emergency department setting. This article reviews important imaging findings associated with acute appendicitis as well as major differential considerations including: mesenteric adenitis, Meckel diverticulum, neutropenic colitis, right-sided diverticulitis, epiploic appendagitis, omental infarction, and inflammatory bowel diseaseRight lower quadrant pain is one of the most common indications for imaging evaluation of the abdomen in the emergency department setting. This article reviews important imaging findings associated with acute appendicitis as well as major differential considerations including: mesenteric adenitis, Meckel diverticulum, neutropenic colitis, right-sided diverticulitis, epiploic appendagitis, omental infarction, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Laparoscopic excision of Meckel's diverticulum in children: What is the current evidence?

Complications aroused from Meckel’s diverticulum tend to developed in children. Children presented with abdominal pain, intestinal obstruction, intussusception or gastrointestinal bleeding may actually suffered from complicated Meckel’s diverticulum. With the advancement of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in children, the use of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and subsequent laparoscopic excision of Meckel’s diverticulum has gained popularity. Recently, single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has emerged as a new technique in minimally invasive surgery. This review offers the overview in the development of MIS in the management of children suffered from Meckel’s diverticulum. The current evidence in different laparoscopic techniques, including conventional laparoscopy, SILS, the use of special laparoscopic instruments, intracorporeal diverticulectomy and extracorporeal diverticulectomy in the management of Meckel’s diverticulum in children were revealed.

Radiologist's perspective for the Meckel's diverticulum and its complications

The Meckel's diverticulum is the commonest congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, often presenting with complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding, intussusception, bowel obstruction and diverticulitis, which are often misdiagnosed. Imaging plays an important role in the early diagnosis and characterization of these conditions and is very helpful in decision making. The Meckel's diverticulum and its complications have myriad presentations and appearances on various imaging modalities. Thus, sound knowledge of the anatomy, embryology, clinical presentation, imaging characteristics and complications is crucial to the practice of abdominal imaging. We present a review of the literature and current radiological practices in the diagnosis and management of the Meckel's diverticulum and its various complications with special emphasis on the imaging of various complications, mimickers and pathological correlation.

Radionuclide small intestine imaging

The aim of this overview article is to present the current possibilities of radionuclide scintigraphic small intestine imaging. Nuclear medicine has a few methods-scintigraphy with red blood cells labelled by means of (99m)Tc for detection of the source of bleeding in the small intestine, Meckel's diverticulum scintigraphy for detection of the ectopic gastric mucosa, radionuclide somatostatin receptor imaging for carcinoid, and radionuclide inflammation imaging. Video capsule or deep enteroscopy is the method of choice for detection of most lesions in the small intestine. Small intestine scintigraphies are only a complementary imaging method and can be successful, for example, for the detection of the bleeding site in the small intestine, ectopic gastric mucosa, carcinoid and its metastasis, or inflammation. Radionuclide scintigraphic small intestine imaging is an effective imaging modality in the localisation of small intestine lesions for patients in whom other diagnostic tests have failed to locate any lesions or are not available.

Meckel's scan in children: a review of 183 cases referred to two paediatric surgery specialist centres over 18 years

AIM

To review our practice of Meckel's Tc-99m pertechnetate scans over 18 years with regard to indications for the test, sensitivity and specificity in our particular referral patients' population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective review of Meckel's scans performed in two paediatric tertiary care teaching hospitals from April 1993 to March 2011 and followed up till October 2011. The scan was performed according to published international guidelines. 183 patients were included in this study. We classified the patients into two groups: group 1, which included 77 patients (42 %) presenting with painless per rectum bleeding, and group 2, which included 106 patients (58 %) presenting with other non-specific symptoms (e.g. abdominal pain, possibly associated with nausea and/or vomiting, failure to thrive). Data were analysed using Chi square test, considering P value less than 0.05 as significant. The age of the patients ranged from 4 days to 16.5 years (median 3 years).

RESULTS

161 of the total 183 children on the study (88 %) had a negative Meckel's scan, and 22 children (12 %) had a positive scan. In the group with a positive Meckel's scan (22 children), all patients underwent surgical exploration and ectopic gastric mucosa was found in 17 cases (77 %, true positives). In the remaining 5 cases (23 %), there was no evidence of ectopic gastric mucosa (false positives). Within the group with a negative scan, 8 children (5 %) underwent surgery; only 1 child had a ectopic gastric mucosa detected following surgery (false negative). In other 52 children (32 %) of the group with a negative Meckel's scan, an endoscopy was done, which showed a normal result in 21 children and was abnormal in 31 children. Of the remaining 101 (63 %) children with a negative Meckel's scan, 74 children (46 %) improved without any further intervention. In 13 cases (8 %), other pathologies were identified. The sensitivity and specificity of the Meckel's scan for ectopic gastric mucosa were 94 and 97 %, respectively. The Meckel's scan was positive in 26 % of the patients of group 1 and in only 2 % patients of group 2. The difference between the two groups was highly significant [P < 0.0001 (Yates-corrected Chi square); odds ratio 18 (Woolf-logit method 95 % CI)].

CONCLUSION

The Meckel's scan retains a high diagnostic accuracy in children for detecting a Meckel's diverticulum with ectopic gastric mucosa within it, when performed according to the recommended guidelines. The test yields its highest positive result in children presenting with significant per rectum bleeding.

Wireless Capsule Endoscopy Detects Meckel's Diverticulum in a Child with Unexplained Intestinal Blood Loss

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, affecting about 2% of the population. Most cases of Meckel's diverticula are asymptomatic. The diagnosis of symptomatic MD is often difficult to make. We report the case of an 8-year-old boy who presented with GI bleeding due to MD. The diagnostic difficulties after an initial negative endoscopic evaluation and the diagnostic value of the various endoscopic procedures are discussed. The patient had suffered from bright red stools for 20 h before hospital admission. GI scintigraphy with ^99mTc-Na-pertechnetate was negative for heterotopic gastric tissue in the small bowel area. Colonoscopy performed in order to exclude Crohn's disease was also negative. He was placed on ranitidine at a dose of 6 mg/kg body weight twice daily. The patient remained asymptomatic over a period of 6 months before he was readmitted due to macroscopic rectal bleeding. Upper endoscopy and colonoscopy used to investigate the source of bleeding showed normal macroscopic findings. Radiolabeling of blood constituents with ^99mTc on delayed imaging showed radionucleotide concentration in the ascending and transverse colon suggestive of a lesion in the ileocecal area. Further investigation with the use of wireless capsule endoscopy revealed a MD. Wireless capsule endoscopy may thus be indicated for patients with GI blood loss when other diagnostic methods, such as upper and lower endoscopy and colonoscopy, have failed to identify the source of bleeding.

Enteroscopy and its relationship to radiological small bowel imaging

The field of radiological small bowel imaging is changing rapidly, as is small bowel enteroscopy. New techniques allow the depiction of intraluminal, mural, and extraintestinal features of various small bowel disorders, such as Crohn disease, small bowel polyposis syndromes, small intestinal malignancies, and celiac disease. For patients requiring repeated small bowel imaging, modalities that do not use ionizing radiation, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, should be considered.

Meckel’s diverticulum masked by a long period of intermittent recurrent subocclusive episodes

Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is the most frequent congenital abnormality of the small bowel and it is often difficult to diagnose. It is usually asymptomatic but approximately 4% are symptomatic with complications such as bleeding, intestinal obstruction, and inflammation. The authors report a case of a 7-year-old boy with a one-year history of recurrent periumbilical colicky pain with associated alimentary vomiting, symptoms erroneously related to a cyclic vomiting syndrome but not to MD. The clinical features and the differential diagnostic methods employed for diagnosis of MD are discussed.

Symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum in children: a 16-year review

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) has varied presentations and often becomes a diagnostic challenge. The purpose of this study was to review the various presentations of symptomatic MD and to assess the sensitivity of the Meckel's scan as a diagnostic tool in patients with bleeding MD. The hospital records of 71 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of MD from 1990 to 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. The data was assessed for age at presentation, sex, clinical features, investigations performed, surgical intervention and histopathological findings. There were 71 patients with a diagnosis of MD (age 2 days-14 years). In eight patients, MD was an incidental finding at laparotomy. The remaining 63 patients were symptomatic and presented with various clinical features. Ten patients (15.8%) had clinical features of peritonitis; of these, six had perforated MD and four had Meckel's diverticulitis at laparotomy. Nine patients (14.2%) were diagnosed as intestinal obstruction, and at laparotomy, a Meckel's band was found to be the cause of the obstruction. Nine patients (14.2%) had a patent vitello-intestinal duct and presented with umbilical discharge. Thirty-five patients (55.5%) presented with episodes of bleeding per rectum or malaena. Ultrasound scans revealed intussusception in six patients requiring open reduction. Of the remaining 29 patients with bleeding per rectum, 27 underwent a Meckel's Tc99 scan that showed a positive tracer in 18 patients (66.6%) and negative in 9 (33.3%). All patients with a symptomatic MD underwent resection of the diverticulum. Histology revealed ectopic gastric mucosa in 43 patients (68.3%). MD has various presentations and can be easily misdiagnosed. It is necessary to maintain a high index of suspicion in the paediatric age group. The Meckel's scan has a poor positive predictive value and cannot be relied upon for a diagnosis in cases of bleeding MD if Tc99 scan is negative.

One-trocar transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted management of Meckel's diverticulum in children

PURPOSE

Transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted intestinal surgery using only "one trocar" is a very minimal invasive procedure. The authors present their experience for the management of Meckel's diverticulum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2001 and December 2004, 9 transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted procedures were performed for Meckel's diverticulum. The median age of the patients was 6.1 years (range, 6 months-13.6 years). Six patients were admitted for intestinal bleeding and technetium-99m pertechnetate scan was positive in 3. Three patients had recurrent abdominal pain and abdominal ultrasound scan showed a cystlike structure. An intraumbilical Hasson 10-mm trocar was inserted in an open fashion. Using a 10-mm operative laparoscope, the terminal ileum was grasped with an atraumatic instrument and exteriorized through the umbilicus. Ileal exploration and treatment were performed extracorporeally.

RESULTS

Meckel's diverticulum was identified in 8 patients and ileal duplication in 1 patient: intestinal resection/anastomosis (n = 7) or excision of diverticulum (n = 2) was performed. There were no operative complications. Median hospital stay was 4 days (range, 3-7 days). At a median followup of 24 months (range, 3-51 months), all patients are asymptomatic.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that the one trocar transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted procedure is safe and effective for the diagnosis and treatment of Meckel's diverticulum, with excellent cosmetic results.

Les diverticules de Meckel chez l’enfant : à propos de 11 cas

We report 11 cases of Meckel's diverticulum in children admitted to the department of Paediatrics Surgery of Lomé (Togo). None of the cases was identified before surgery. A systematic search during appendectomy identified 3 cases. It was fortuitously discovered four times, and due to complications in four cases. There was one complication related death. Segmental intestinal resection was the only technique used.

Laparoscopic management of Meckel's diverticulum in children

BACKGROUND

Rectal bleeding, recurrent abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in children could present a diagnostic as well as therapeutic challenge. Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is one of the causes. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the feasibility and outcome of laparoscopic management of MD.

METHODS

The clinical data of 33 children admitted with rectal bleeding and/or recurrent abdominal pain with no identifiable cause were reviewed over a period of 8 years. There were 23 boys and 10 girls with a mean age of 5.12 +/- 2 years (range, 3-12 years). In 21 cases, MD was an incidental finding on laparoscopic appendectomy and symptomatic in 12 cases. Patients with rectal bleeding were subjected to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy; colonoscopy, and technetium Tc 99m-labeled pertechnetate scan (MS). All patients were subjected to routine laboratory investigations and diagnostic laparoscopy.

RESULTS

Of the 1200 appendectomies, incidental MD was found in 21 (1.9%) patients and symptomatic in 12 cases. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy did not show a bleeding source in 7 patients presented with bleeding per rectum. Four cases showed a positive MS uptake. Of these, 3 were found on laparoscopy to have an MD. Three cases showed a negative scan. Of these, 2 had an MD. In 5 cases with recurrent abdominal pain nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention, diagnostic laparoscopy revealed Meckel's diverticulitis in 3 cases and intussusception secondary to MD in 1 case. Laparoscopic Meckel's diverticulectomy and laparoscopic-assisted Meckel's diverticulectomy was done for 18 and 12 cases, respectively. Ectopic gastric mucosa was present in 13 cases (44%).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopy is safe, cost-effective, and efficient for the diagnosis and definitive treatment of MD. Compared with conventional laparotomy, it has the advantage of precise operative diagnosis, less traumatic access, fewer intraoperative and postoperative complications, and shorter recovery period.

The radiographic appearances of non-specific small intestinal ulceration

AIM

To determine the imaging characteristics of non-specific ulceration of the small intestine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The radiographic investigations undertaken in three patients originally referred for visceral angiography in whom a histological diagnosis of non-specific ulceration of the small bowel was subsequently made were retrospectively reviewed. Two men and one woman aged from 17 to 24 years all presented with anaemia requiring blood transfusion. Visceral angiography was available for review in all three patients, abdominal computed tomography in two, and a small bowel enema and white cell scintigraphy in one.

RESULTS

In all three patients an angiographic abnormality was present within the ileum consisting of irregularity of the vasa recta, an area of subtle increased vascularity and early venous return. A long, non-branching vessel interpreted as a persistent vitello-intestinal artery was seen in two of these patients. A CT abnormality was present in two individuals consisting of a focal area of thickened small bowel. The single small bowel enema demonstrated a focal stricture and the white cell scan showed localized accumulation of radioactivity within the pelvis.

CONCLUSION

Non-specific small intestinal ulceration may produce abnormalities that are discernible on barium studies, computed tomography, radiolabelled white cell scanning and visceral angiography. Recognition of these findings may allow a pre-operative diagnosis of this condition.

Incidence, complications, and management of Meckel's diverticulum

OBJECTIVES

To elucidate the incidence of Meckel's diverticulum; to determine the correlation between the histologic type of the diverticulum's mucosa and its clinical presentation; and to review our experience with Meckel's diverticulum.

DESIGN

Case-control study.

SETTING

University hospital in Ioannina, Greece.

PATIENTS

A total of 2074 patients undergoing an appendectomy were examined intraoperatively for Meckel's diverticulum (subgroup A1). In addition, Meckel's diverticulum was found incidentally in 15 patients who were undergoing intra-abdominal surgery (subgroup A2). An operation for a complicated Meckel diverticulum was performed in an additional 15 patients (group B).

RESULTS

Thirty-three (1.59%) Meckel diverticulae were found incidentally among 2074 patients in subgroup A1. A positive correlation between Meckel's diverticulum and male sex was found (P < .004), but no difference was found in sex distribution between patients in group B and subgroup A1 (P < .6744). The histologic type of the mucosa (gastric) had significant positive correlation with the clinical presentation of the diverticulum (complicated) (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Resection of the unexpected Meckel diverticulum can be performed safely with a low complication rate, regardless of the patient's age.