Laparoscopy in diagnosis and management of Meckel's diverticulum.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that laparoscopy can successfully diagnose otherwise elusive Meckel's diverticuli and at the same time offer a therapeutic access for successful resection.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Two patients with anemia of unknown cause and a further patient with acute small bowel obstruction underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. A Meckel's diverticulum was identified in each case and successfully resected through a minilaparotomy.

RESULTS

All three patients were successfully investigated and treated with laparoscopy with no morbidity or mortality.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy is a safe and effective surgical modality for diagnosis of atypically presenting Meckel's diverticulum and has a therapeutic role that results in an excellent cosmetic result.