Bleeding Meckel's Diverticulum in Children: The Diagnostic Value of Double-Balloon Enteroscopy

Background. Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value and safety of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) for bleeding MD in children. Methods. We included consecutive children who were highly suspected of MD between 2012 and 2013. All patients underwent Meckel's scan. DBE was performed for patient with negative Meckel's scan. An exploratory laparoscopy was performed in children with positive Meckel's scan or DBE. Results. 42 patients met the inclusion criteria. 40 patients were confirmed to have MD by exploratory laparoscopy. Meckel's scan was positive in 36 and negative in 6, with 34 as true positives and 2 as false positives. Six patients with negative Meckel's scan were found to have MD by retrograde DBE and had immediate operation. The distance from the diverticulum to the ileocecal valve was 40 to 60 cm. Ectopic gastric mucosa was present in all 6 patients (100%). After operation, patients were followed in clinic for 20 to 42 months and no evidence of GI bleeding or recurrent anemia was observed. Conclusions. Double-balloon enteroscopy can be a reliable diagnostic tool for bleeding Meckel's diverticulum in children with negative Meckel's scan.