Laparoscopic surgery for perforation of Meckel's diverticulum

Rangarajan M, Palanivelu C, Senthilkumar R, Madankumar MV
Correspondence: Dr Muthukumaran Rangarajan, rangy68@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
We report an eight-year-old boy who presented with features of peritonitis and a vague mass in the periumbilical area. Initial clinical diagnosis was an appendicular abscess. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed an inflammatory mass with pus due to a perforated Meckel's diverticulum. Laparoscopic stapler resection of the lesion was done and the patient recovered uneventfully. Surgical resection is indicated only if the diverticulum is symptomatic or if the base is narrow. Wedge resection of the diverticulum, including anterior wall of ileum, or stapler resection can be performed. Laparoscopy is useful in both diagnosis and treatment. Laparoscopic resection of Meckel's diverticulum is feasible and ideal, especially in specialised centres.

Keywords: bowel perforation, endostaples, laparoscopic surgery, laparoscopy, Meckel’s diverticulitis
Singapore Med J 2007; 48(4): e102–e105