What is Meckel’s Diverticulum?
Meckel’s diverticulum is a bulging of small intestine. It is basically a by-birth anatomical condition and results from failure of embryonic ophalomesentric duct obliteration. Almost 2% of population suffers this midgut complication. It is found more frequently in males. The duct is named after the scientist Johann Fredrick Meckel who discovered it. Laparotomy is the most common surgical technique used to manage the Meckel’s diverticulum. The latest method to diagnose and treat the issue is by using Laparoscopy.
What are the symptoms of Meckel’s Diverticulum?
Diagnosis of Meckel’s Diverticulum is the very basic step in procedure. There is no preoperative way to know if it exists. Usually, physicians rely on the symptoms; these include the Anaemia, nonspecific abdominal pain, diverticulitis and also the intestinal obstruction.
From all the above mentioned symptoms anaemia and intestinal obstruction are worse.
A diverticulum causes intestinal obstruction for following reasons.
1. A small bowl volvulus is formed around the fibrous band of diverticulum.
2. Stenosis and luminal fibrosis that occur due to chronic diverticulitis.
Traditional methods of managing the Meckel’s Diverticulum. Generally, a laparotomy is performed to diagnose and manage the diverticulum. There are three main methods of surgery. Simple diverticulectomy: In this process, simple incision is performed to manage the diverticulum and keep the intestine normal.
Traditional methods of managing the Meckel’s Diverticulum. Generally, a laparotomy is performed to diagnose and manage the diverticulum. There are three main methods of surgery. Simple diverticulectomy: In this process, simple incision is performed to manage the diverticulum and keep the intestine normal.
Incision of ileum: In this procedure surgical process doesn’t remain limited to diverticulectomy, rather it is extended to wedge incision of surrounding ileum; this is comparatively common method. Segmental Resection: Anastomosis (surgically created connection between intestine and blood vessels) is used for ileal resection (surgical removal of the targeted part).
Use of laparoscopic technique to manage Meckel’s Diverticulum
The latest method to manage the diverticulum is the use of laparoscopic technique. In this technique very small incisions are made on body and a pipe is inserted towards the targeted site. Pipe carries relevant instruments and a mini camera. In this way, firstly diagnosis process is performed by viewing the affected area, and then it is managed using the same technique. The latest research reveals that getting rid of useless intestinal bulging like Meckel’s diverticulum proves more effective if done through Laparoscopy.
The wedged incision method is has become a part of the past, further it carries more complications and risk. Now days; almost all the complex surgeries including the bariatric ones are being performed through laparoscopy; mainly because it offers great level of precisions.
Effectively of Laparoscopic Management of Diverticulum
In order to measure the efficiency of Laparoscopic method for managing the diverticulum, let’s have a look at available stats from physicians and professionals.
According to a study published in JSLS (Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons), Laparoscopic management of diverticulitis always remains efficient. In terms of side effects, there are no severe complications. Cases of patients who got treatment through Laparoscopy indicated that there were no staple line leaks; which are common in the surgeries on digestive tract.
Patients usually recovered from 4th to 7th day of surgery. They came for follow up, mostly after two years or four years. Both of these categories didn’t show any symptoms of post-surgical complications. According to the cases discussed in research, most of the patients had heterotopic gastric mucosa in their diverticulum, which caused disturbance.
Efficiency of Laparoscopic technique
Present researches indicate that Laparoscopic proves itself as the best technique to treat the diverticulum. Usually, open wedge resection is practised, which is more traditional method. Issue with diverticulum complications is that they need operative method, even for diagnosis; so, most of the time surgery is an inevitable option.
Well a wedge resection is not the necessary requirement to operate. It is possible to use a tangential resection, like one in laparoscopic management of diverticulum. The fact that there are very few side effects of laparoscopy makes It more optimum method of surgery,