Clinical manifestations of Meckel's diverticulum and analytical distinction with appendicitis: a 20-year diagnostic study.

Abstract

While approximately 90% of Meckel's diverticula are asymptomatic, they can manifest with a wide spectrum of complications with a mortality rate of 0.001%. The differential diagnosis is broad, with appendicitis being the main consideration when diverticulitis is the presenting symptom. This study aims to characterize a population with symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum and to investigate the utility of cellular indices in its differential diagnosis with appendicitis. A diagnostic study was conducted encompassing patients aged 0-15 years who underwent surgery for symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum between 2002 and 2023 at a pediatric hospital.