Meckel's diverticulum: should it be excised incidentally at operation?

ABSTRACT

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital abnormality of the small intestine, occurring in about 2 per cent of the population. Complications of a Meckel's diverticulum, including hemorrhage, inflammation, bowel obstruction, and neoplasms, occur in 15 to 33 per cent of cases and invariably demand operative treatment. When signs or symptoms arise from a Meckel's diverticulum, morbidity and mortality are high. Incidental Meckel's diverticulectomy should be performed at any age when the morbidity and mortality of the primary procedure will not be increased substantially.