A retrospective review of Meckel's diverticula over an 11-year period in a surgical unit, to which children were seldom admitted, revealed 28 diverticula, seven of which were symptomatic from inflammatory disease or obstruction. There was no morbidity nor mortality in this group. Twenty-one diverticula were removed as incidental findings, four patients dying from the cause of their symptoms. The complications of Meckel's diverticulum can be satisfactorily managed and are uncommon in the adult. Prophylactic diverticulectomy is difficult to justify.