Gezer, Hasan OzkanTemiz, AbdulkerimInce, EmineEzer, Semire SerinHasbay, BermalHicsonmez, Akgun2023-07-182023-07-1820160022-3468http://hdl.handle.net/11727/9967Background: The treatment of incidentally encountered asymptomatic Meckel diverticulum(MD) is controversial. We evaluated whether the macroscopic appearance correlates with clinical features, histopathological findings, future complications, and management decisions. Methods: Patients who underwent MD resection at a single institution from 2000 to 2012 were retrospectively analyzed in terms of age, sex, clinical features, laboratory data, perioperative findings (diverticulum length, diameter, depth, thickening, and height-to diameter ratio [HDR]), pathology, and postoperative follow-up. Results: Fifty children were enrolled. Sixteen percent of the resected MDs were found incidentally. Of 42 complicated MDs, 17 (40%) were long (HDR >= 2), 14 (33%) were thickened, and 29 (70%) exhibited base widening. Histopathologically, ectopic mucosa was found in 32 (64%) of all MDs and in 5 (62%) of incidentally removed MDs. There was no statistical difference between the macroscopic appearance and clinical signs, sex, or presence of ectopic tissue based on palpation. Conclusion: The macroscopic appearance of MD does not indicate the presence or absence of HGM and cannot be used to guide subsequent surgery. Additionally, 40% of symptomatic patients in our study had life-threatening complications requiring prompt fluid resuscitation. We consider that incidentally detected MD should be removed regardless of its macroscopic appearance. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.enginfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessMeckel diverticulumChildrenMacroscopic appearanceIncidentallyProphylacticarticle517117711800003789107000232-s2.0-849455865131531-5037