Beschreibung:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec><jats:title>Background</jats:title><jats:p>The aim of this study was to assess the indication for surgical treatment of incidentally discovered Meckel's diverticulum (MD) on the basis of clinical and histological features.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Methods</jats:title><jats:p>The charts of patients undergoing surgery for MD were analysed. Two groups were identified: (1) patients who had incidentally discovered MD resected (incidental MD, IMD) and (2) patients who received first‐line surgery for a complicated MD (CMD). Demographics and intraoperative and post‐operative outcomes were compared. Histological findings were also analysed and compared.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results</jats:title><jats:p>Sixty‐five patients were included in the study. IMD was observed in 39 patients (60%), while CMD was observed in 26 (40%). Male gender was significantly more frequent in CMD (<jats:italic>P</jats:italic> = 0.020), and mean age was significantly higher in IMD (<jats:italic>P</jats:italic> = 0.025). Body mass index and the American Society of Anesthesiologists score >2 were similar in both groups. Laparoscopy was carried out in 36% of IMD and in 50% of CMD patients (<jats:italic>P</jats:italic> = 0.309). A tangential resection was performed in 92% of IMD and 73% of CMD patients (<jats:italic>P</jats:italic> = 0.07). No complications related to diverticular resection were found in IMD, while they occurred in 8% of CMD patients (<jats:italic>P</jats:italic> = 0.931). Meanly, diverticula were longer when complicated (<jats:italic>P</jats:italic> = 0.001). CMD showed significant histological differences and more frequent gastric ectopic mucosa (<jats:italic>P</jats:italic> = 0.039). A malignant tumour was incidentally found in IMD.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusion</jats:title><jats:p>As surgery is mandatory in CMD, the optimal management of IMD remains uncertain. Mucosal abnormalities may favour complications, but these cannot be identified before excision. Stapled diverticulectomy is safe and effective. A surgical approach to IMD may prevent complications at a very low cost.</jats:p></jats:sec>