A cadaveric study of incidence and surgical anatomy of Meckel's diverticulum: an obituary to prof. Georgios Apostolakis (1890-1964).

BACKGROUND

The present original study was first conducted by Prof. Apostolakis. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of Meckel's diverticulum morphological variations and surgical anatomy in a Greek population. A review of the relevant literature was also conducted by the authors. In addition, we would like to highlight, with this opportunity, the life and scientific work of the respectful Greek Professor of anatomy George Apostolakis.

METHODS

151 formalin-fixed cadavers were dissected in the Anatomy Department of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, in 1932. A review of the relevant literature was also conducted by the authors.

RESULTS

Meckel's diverticulum was found in the case series of Apostolakis in 3.3% from the free (40%) or lateral border (20%) of the ileum. The diverticulum was observed only in male cadavers. Its origin varied, arising either from the free margin of the ileum or from its lateral border. In one case, a triangular serosa's leaflet was noted, extending partly over the diverticular process and partly over the free edge of the ileum. This finding may represent a remnant of the anterior intestinal wall from an embryological perspective.

CONCLUSION

In this study Meckel's diverticulum is found in a higher frequency than reported in the international literature (2%). With our work we would like to highlight, the life and scientific work of the respectful Greek Professor of anatomy George Apostolakis.