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Case report
Meckel’s diverticulum: new solutions for an old problem?
  1. Abhishek Chauhan1,
  2. Nigel Suggett2,
  3. Peter Guest3,
  4. Jason Goh1
  1. 1Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
  2. 2Department of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
  3. 3Department of Radiology, University Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
  1. Correspondence to Dr Abhishek Chauhan, Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK abhichauhan{at}mac.com

Abstract

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most commonly encountered true diverticulum in the small bowel. Although overall a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding, it remains an important differential in a child/young adult presenting with lower gastrointestinal bleeding. We present two MD cases, one associated with brisk bleeding resulting in haemodynamic instability and the other in insidious blood loss causing symptoms of chronic iron deficiency. These cases illustrate the heterogeneous nature of the clinical picture associated with Meckel's diverticulae, a condition most gastroenterological and surgical units will encounter. We subsequently discuss the diagnostic and management dilemma Meckel's diverticulae pose and appraise the latest evidence and management strategies in this regard.

  • ABDOMINAL PAIN
  • ABDOMINAL SURGERY
  • BLEEDING

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