Experience in the treatment of Meckel's diverticulum with an open approach versus laparoscopic-assisted supraumbilical in children Original Research

Abstract

Introduction: Meckel's diverticulum (M’sD) is the most common congenital intestinal malformation diagnosed intraoperatively and requires surgical resolution once the diagnosis is known. The present study describes the experience in the open and laparoscopic surgical treatment of M’sD.

Methodology: This cross-sectional - retrospective study was carried out in children treated at the Dr. Roberto Gilbert Elizalde Children's Hospital, Guayaquil - Ecuador, for over eight years with a diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum; variables such as age, sex, symptoms, post-surgical diagnosis, surgical technique, hospital stay, complications, biopsy results, clinical presentation are analyzed. Univariate descriptive statistics are used.

Results: 81 cases were analyzed, 52 men (64%), 25 infants (31%), 23 adolescents (28%). 50 cases (62%) presented as acute abdomen, and 17 cases (21%) presented as intestinal hemorrhage. Incidental M’sD during acute appendicitis was performed incidentally in 23 cases (52%). 67 cases (83%) underwent open surgery, and 14 (17%) underwent combined surgery. Complications were 8/67 cases (11.9%) in open surgery and 1/14 cases (7.1%) in combined surgery (P=0.60).

Conclusion: Laparoscopic resection of M’sD did not increase the risk of morbidity or operative time.