Meckel's diverticulum: a continuing dilemma?

Forty-three cases of Meckel's diverticulum (MD) encountered in an academic department of surgery over a 15-year period were reviewed. All of the patients and their general practitioners were contacted and long-term follow-up was obtained in 36 cases (85%). In 21 of 35 diverticulectomies, MD was an incidental finding. An overall complication rate of 26% was recorded over an average follow-up period of 8 years. In the asymptomatic group this rose to 30%. None of the eight cases in whom the diverticulum was not resected has developed early or late complications. Our findings suggest that an incidentally discovered Meckel's diverticulum should be left in situ.