Simple Guide to Meckel Diverticulum Diagnosis, Treatment, and Related Conditions

What is Meckel Diverticulum?

Meckel diverticulum (also known as Meckel's diverticulum) is a congenital anomaly, a condition present from birth, characterized by a small pouch or outpouching protruding from the small intestine.

It is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, occurring in approximately 2% of the population.

Meckel diverticulum is usually asymptomatic, meaning it does not cause any symptoms. However, in some cases, it can cause problems such as abdominal pain, bleeding, or obstruction.

Causes of Meckel Diverticulum

Meckel diverticulum forms during embryonic development when the omphalomesenteric duct, a connection between the intestine and the umbilical cord, fails to close properly.

This remnant of the duct forms a small pouch that protrudes from the small intestine, typically located about two feet from the ileocecal valve, where the small intestine joins the large intestine.

Symptoms of Meckel Diverticulum

As mentioned earlier, Meckel diverticulum is often asymptomatic. However, in some cases, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Abdominal pain
• Bleeding (either bright red or dark and tarry)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Abdominal distension
• Fever

Diagnosis of Meckel Diverticulum

Diagnosing Meckel diverticulum can be challenging, as the symptoms are often nonspecific and can be caused by other conditions.

Your doctor may suspect Meckel diverticulum based on your symptoms and physical examination. To confirm the diagnosis, they may Free Download one or more of the following tests:

• Barium swallow: A fluoroscopic examination that involves swallowing a liquid containing barium, which coats the lining of the digestive tract and allows abnormalities to be seen on X-rays.
• Technetium-99m pertechnetate scan: A nuclear medicine scan that uses a radioactive isotope to detect ectopic gastric mucosa (tissue that normally lines the stomach) in Meckel diverticulum.
• Capsule endoscopy: A procedure that involves swallowing a small capsule containing a camera that takes pictures of the small intestine as it passes through.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan: A cross-sectional imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed images of the abdomen.

Treatment for Meckel Diverticulum

Treatment for Meckel diverticulum depends on the severity of the symptoms. In most cases, asymptomatic Meckel diverticulum does not require treatment.

However, if the diverticulum is causing symptoms, surgical removal is typically the recommended treatment.

Surgery can be performed laparoscopically (through small incisions in the abdomen) or