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Meckel's diverticulum

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Digestive system
Digestive system
Digestive system organs
Digestive system organs
Meckel's diverticulectomy  - series
Meckel's diverticulectomy - series

Definition    Return to top

A Meckel's diverticulum is a pouch on the wall of the lower part of the small bowel that is present at birth (congenital). The diverticulum may contain tissue from the stomach or pancreas.

Causes    Return to top

A Meckel's diverticulum is tissue left over from structures in the unborn baby's digestive tract that were not fully reabsorbed before birth. Approximately 2% of the population has a Meckel's diverticulum, but only a few people develop symptoms.

Symptoms    Return to top

Symptoms often occur during the first few years of life, but may not start until adulthood.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Tests:

Treatment    Return to top

Surgery to remove the diverticulum is recommended if bleeding develops. In these rare cases, the segment of small intestine that contains the diverticulum is surgically removed. The ends of the intestine are sewn back together.

You may need iron replacement to correct anemia. If you have a lot of bleeding, you may need a blood transfusion.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Full recovery can be expected with surgery.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

See your health care provider promptly if your child passes blood or bloody stool or complains repeatedly of abdominal discomfort.

References    Return to top

Kahn E, Daum F. Anatomy, histology, embryology, and developmental anomalies of the small and large intestine. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:chap 93.

Update Date: 10/13/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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