Editorial

Meckel Diverticulum: "Too" Much Chatter?

Authors: Kevin E. Behrns, MD

Abstract

Although an uncommon intraoperative finding, Meckel diverticulum garners substantial attention in the medical literature. A quick PubMed search for Meckel diverticulum yields nearly 3,000 entries since 1951 for the disease governed by the “rule of twos.” We remember Meckel diverticulum for its association with the number two: 2% of the population is affected, men afflicted twice as often as women, frequently identified in persons under 2 years of age, and located 2 feet from the ileocecal valve. In addition, Meckel diverticulum routinely enters the differential diagnosis of patients that have intestinal obstruction, right lower quadrant inflammation, and acute gastrointestinal bleeding. This seems straightforward, right?

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References

1. Stone PA, Hofeldt MJ, Campbell JE, et al. Meckel Diverticulum: ten-year experience in adults. South Med J 2004;97:1038–1041.
 
2. Yahchouchy EK, Marano AF, Etienne J-CF, et al. Meckel’s diverticulum. J Am Coll Surg2001;192:658–662.
 
3. Cullen JJ, Kelly KA, Moir CR, et al. Ann Surg 1994;220:564–568.