Meckel's diverticulum: should it be excised prophylactically in service personnel?

Abstract

In a four month period in 1992 at a small military wing of a civilian hospital three Meckel's Diverticulae were removed from patients suspected of having complications in their vermiform appendix. One of the diverticulae was inflamed and was the cause of the symptoms. The second was a symptomatic but it and the appendix showed transmural granulomatous inflammation caused by infection with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. The third also asymptomatic was found to contain carcinoid tumour. On investigation with urinary estimations of 5 Hydroxy Indole Acetic Acid there was no sign of residual carcinoid tumour in the patient. None of the patients has had complications from their surgery. Review of the literature shows that prophylactic excision of asymptomatic Meckel's Diverticulae to prevent possible complications is justified in persons under the age of 40 such as is the typical service population.