Meckel's diverticulum
A Meckel's diverticulum is a pouch on the wall of the lower part of the intestine that is present at birth (congenital). The diverticulum may contain tissue that is identical to tissue of the stomach or pancreas.
Causes
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
- Abdominal discomfort or pain ranging from mild to severe
- Passing of blood in the stool
Symptoms often occur during the first few years of life, but may not start until adulthood.
Exams and Tests
- Blockage of the intestine
- Blood in the stool - visible or invisible (occult)
- Inflammation of the pouch (diverticulitis)
Tests:
- Hematocrit
- Hemoglobin
- Stool smear for invisible blood (stool occult blood test )
- Technetium scan
Treatment
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)
Full recovery can be expected with surgery.
Possible Complications
- Excess bleeding (hemorrhage) from the diverticulum
- Folding of the intestines (intussusception), a type of blockage
- Peritonitis
- Tear (perforation) of the bowel at the diverticulum
When to Contact a Medical Professional
See your health care provider promptly if your child passes blood or bloody stool or complains repeatedly of abdominal discomfort.
References
Kahn E, Daum F. Anatomy, histology, embryology, and developmental anomalies of the small and large intestine. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 96.
Update Date: 11/11/2010
Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of 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.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2012, A.D.A.M., Inc. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.
