Circumumbilicus Incision for Bleeding Meckel’s Diverticulectomy
Piyawan Chiengkriwate MD*, Sakda Patrapinyokul MD*, Surasak Sangkhathat MD*, Vorapong Chowchuvech MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla
Background/
Objective : With regard to the recent interest in minimally invasive surgery, the authors report on
a technique of transumbilical incision for Meckel’s diverticulum and appendectomy, which provides better
cosmetic results and no increase in complications.
Materials and Methods : The case records of 18 consecutive Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) patients who were
treated at Songklanagarind Hospital in Thailand between 1996 and 2005 were reviewed.
Results : The male-female ratio was 14-4 (3.5:1). Of the 15/18 (83.3%) symptomatic cases, presenting symp-
toms were bleeding 10/15 (66.7%), gut obstruction 2/15 (13.3%), peritonitis 2/15 (13.3%), and intussuscep-
tion 1/15 (6.7%). All bleeding patients were children (age 1-15 years), 9/10 (90%) Meckel scan positive and
10/10 (100%) ectopic-gastic tissue. Four children underwent a circumumbilical incision. There were no
perioperative or long-term complications related to the transumbilical approach.
Conclusion : The umbilical incision has all the benefits of a minimal access approach. Umbilical incision is a
safe, inexpensive, cosmetically pleasing, and easy technique. This minimally invasive surgery does not require
long-term specialized training or special equipment.
Keywords : Meckel’s diverticulum, Umbilical incision, Minimally invasive surgery
