Laparoscopy in Paediatric Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) in children presents a diagnostic challenge, often requiring a multimodal approach when standard imaging fails. We report the case of a 13-year-old boy with severe anaemia and recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding, in whom repeated endoscopic and scintigraphic investigations were inconclusive. Abdominal ultrasound suggested a mass in the right lower quadrant, raising suspicion of Meckel’s diverticulum. Diagnostic laparoscopy confirmed the presence of a Meckel’s diverticulum, which was successfully resected extracorporeally. Histopathology revealed ectopic gastric mucosa. A literature review highlights the diagnostic limitations of technetium-99m scans and underscores the increasing role of laparoscopy in both diagnosis and treatment. Emerging techniques, such as capsule endoscopy and the evaluation of the predictive value of haemoglobin levels may support early surgical referral. Laparoscopy offers a safe, minimally invasive, and definitive solution, particularly when imaging is inconclusive. Keywords: Intestinal bleeding, Meckel’s diverticulum, Laparoscopy, Childhood