Patients Presenting Acute Abdomen Later Found to Have Complications Related to Meckel ' s Diverticulum : A 10-Year Study

In this study, it is aimed to investigate the symptoms, diagnostic tools and treatment of pediatric patients admitted with acute abdomen symptoms due to Meckel's diverticulum. The patients with surgical complications of Meckel's diverticulum were analyzed retrospectively in terms of age, gender, symptoms, imaging techniques, complications of Meckel’s diverticulum, method of treatment and duration of hospitalization. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. There were 14 patients. Complaints on admission were as follows: abdominal pain, bilious vomiting, abdominal distention, lack of defecation, lethargy, bloody stool, and foul-smelling discharge from the umbilicus. Abdominal x-ray and ultrasonography were performed in all patients. None was diagnostic. Meckel’s diverticulum was a leading point in 7 patients with intussusceptions. Other complications were volvulus (n=4), diverticulitis (n=2) and Meckel's diverticulum perforation (n=1). Patients with ileal resection hospitalized significantly longer when compared to patients who underwent diverticulectomy. Bands extending from the remnants of the omfalomesenteric canal causing obstruction should be kept in mind in patients with sudden onset abdominal pain and ileus if there is no apparent pathology such as intussusception, incarcerated hernia or history of abdominal surgery that can explain the ileus.