Pancreas transplant and incidental Meckel's diverticulum: not always a straightforward decision

Authors: Light, Timothy D.¹; Light, Jimmy A.²

Source: Clinical Transplantation, Volume 23, Number 5, September/October 2009 , pp. 765-768(4)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $48.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Light TD, Light JA. Pancreas transplant and incidental Meckel's diverticulum: not always a straightforward decision.

Unexpected intraoperative findings are not rare in surgical practice. Meckel's diverticulum with a mass is one such example. There are only two previously reported cases of Meckel's in transplantation, and neither involved pancreas transplant. Results and discussion:

We present a case report of novel surgical technique using a Meckel's diverticulectomy site for the duodeno-enterostomy to managing the exocrine secretions of the transplanted pancreas. We also discuss management of Meckel's diverticulum. The patient tolerated the procedure without complication, and continues to have normal renal and pancreatic function without any gastrointestinal (GI) complaints. The excised Meckel's diverticulum contained both gastric and pancreatic tissue. Conclusion:

Although uncertainty about the best management practices exists in the general surgery patient population, given the potential complications that may arise from Meckel's diverticulum, in transplant patients the Meckel's should be removed when encountered. The point of excision can safely be incorporated into other intestinal anastomoses.

Keywords: Meckel's diverticulum; operative technique; pancreas transplant

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-0012.2009.01029.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 2: Division of Transplant Services, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA

Publication date: 2009-09-01