Laparoscopic-assisted resection of Meckel's diverticulum in children.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Meckel's diverticulum (MD) presents unique challenges for a pediatric surgeon, as it is prone to varied complications. This case series highlights the diverse presentations and laparoscopic management of MD in children.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive cases of laparoscopic-assisted transumbilical Meckel's diverticulectomy (LATUM) performed by the same surgeon for incidental as well as diverse Meckel's diverticular complications over 20 months.

RESULTS: Eight patients (5 males and 3 females) aged 3 years to 13 years (median, 12) underwent LATUM. Three patients had painless per-rectal bleeding and 1 presented with intestinal obstruction due to a mesodiverticular band and intestinal ischemia. Two patients had features masquerading as appendicitis; one had perforated MD with secondary inflammation of the appendix, and the other had a torsed, gangrenous MD. In 2 patients, incidental MD with a narrow base was noted at appendicectomy for appendicitis. All patients underwent successful LATUM along with appendicectomy in 4 patients. The operative duration was 72 minutes to 165 minutes (mean, 112.1+/-30.6). There were no operative complications, and no conversion to open surgery was required. The hospital stay was 4 days to 7 days (mean, 4.7+/-1.2). The patient with mesodiverticular band intestinal obstruction presented with adhesive intestinal obstruction 2 weeks after the surgery. Laparoscopic-assisted minilaparotomy was done to release the pelvic adhesions. There were no other complications during the follow-up (median, 11 months).

CONCLUSIONS: LATUM is a simple, safe, and effective procedure with a better cosmetic outcome that can be performed for diverse manifestations of MD. The technique also allows palpation of the MD and avoids use of expensive staplers.