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Meckel's diverticulectomy - series
Meckel's diverticulectomy - series

Meckel diverticulum
Definition:
A common congenital abnormally that consists of a small pouch called a diverticulum, located off the wall of the small bowel. The diverticulum may contain stomach (gastric) or pancreatic tissue.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

A Meckel's diverticulum is a remnant of developmental structures that were not fully reabsorbed during fetal development. Approximately 2% of the population has a Meckel's diverticulum, but only a small portion of these become symptomatic. Symptoms include diverticulitis or bleeding in the intestine (see GI bleeding). Symptoms often occur during the first few years of life, but can occur in adults as well.
Symptoms:


Signs and tests:

Tests:
Treatment:

Surgery to remove of the diverticulum is recommended if bleeding develops. Often, the segment of small intestine which contains the diverticulum is resected, and the ends of intestine sewn back together. Iron replacement may be needed to correct anemia. If bleeding is significant, blood transfusion may be necessary.
Expectations (prognosis):
Full recovery can be expected with surgery.
Complications:


Calling your health care provider:
See your health care provider promptly if your child passes blood or a bloody stool or complains repeatedly of abdominal discomfort or pain.
Prevention:

This is a common congenital abnormality. There are no known preventative measures.
Review Date: 5/29/2001
Reviewed By: Robert O’Rourke, M.D., Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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