Laparoscopy in diagnosis and management of Meckel's diverticulum.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that laparoscopy can successfully diagnose otherwise elusive Meckel's diverticuli and at the same time offer a therapeutic access for successful resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two patients with anemia of unknown cause and a further patient with acute small bowel obstruction underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. A Meckel's diverticulum was identified in each case and successfully resected through a minilaparotomy. RESULTS: All three patients were successfully investigated and treated with laparoscopy with no morbidity or mortality. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy is a safe and effective surgical modality for diagnosis of atypically presenting Meckel's diverticulum and has a therapeutic role that results in an excellent cosmetic result.