[Meckel's diverticulum (author's transl)].

Complications (inflammation, bleeding, perforation) occurred in 20 of 38 patients with Meckel's diverticulum. Complications were disproportionately common in children up to ten years of age. Because of the high mortality rate in the presence of complications (20%) it is recommended to search actively for Meckel's diverticulum during every upper-abdomen laparotomy, as long as the underlying disease and the operative procedure allow it.