Health Encyclopedia

Meckel's diverticulum

Definition

A Meckel's diverticulum is a common congenital (present from before birth) pouch on the wall of the small bowel. The diverticulum may contain stomach or pancreatic tissue.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

A Meckel's diverticulum is a remnant of structures within the fetal digestive tract that were not fully reabsorbed before birth. Approximately 2% of the population has a Meckel's diverticulum, but only a few develop symptoms.

Symptoms include diverticulitis or bleeding in the intestine (see GI bleeding). Symptoms often occur during the first few years of life but may occur in adults as well.

Symptoms

Passing of blood in the stool
Abdominal discomfort or pain ranging from mild to severe

Signs and tests

Visible blood in stool
Occult (invisible) blood in the stool on multiple tests
Iron deficiency anemia

Tests:

Stool smear for occult blood (stool guaiac)
Hematocrit
Hemoglobin
Technetium scan to demonstrate diverticulum

Treatment

Surgery to remove the diverticulum is recommended if bleeding develops. In rare cases, the segment of small intestine which contains the diverticulum is surgically removed, 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

Hemorrhage
Perforation of the bowel at the diverticulum
Peritonitis
Intussusception with resultant obstruction

Calling your health care provider

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

Review Date:11/13/2006
Reviewed By:Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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