A case report on Meckel's Diverticulum: A rare congenital anomaly

Introduction: Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is formed by all layers of the intestinal wall and is a true intestinal diverticulum. It originates from failure of obliteration and absorption of the omphalomesenteric duct during the first trimester of fetal life. MD is an embryonic vestige that affects 2% to 4% of the general population. It can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. The onset of symptoms suggests complications such as gastrointestinal hemorrhage, which is more common in children. Clinical presentation includes abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, and bloody stools, given that rectal bleeding is typically described as currant jelly or brick-colored. The definitive treatment of MD is surgical. Discussion: Since MD is usually asymptomatic, particularly in adults, it may be found during a laparotomy performed for another reason. Although symptomatic Meckel's can occur at any age, it is most often associated with younger ages. Clinical manifestations are varied and appear during the first decade of life. Three types of operations have been described: segmental resection-anastomosis, wedge resection, and tangential stapling. Elective surgery is not recommended for cases in which the diverticulum is discovered incidentally. Conclusion: It is essential that each case of Meckel's diverticulum be evaluated individually, taking into account variables such as sex, age, anesthetic risk, and characteristics of the diverticulum for a better prognosis and better choice of treatment. It may be symptomatic or asymptomatic, since when symptomatic, it is most often associated with complications.