Highlights & Basics
- Meckel diverticulum is the commonest congenital abnormality of the small bowel.
- Many people with Meckel diverticulum remain asymptomatic for their entire lives.
- The majority of symptomatic patients present before the age of 2 years.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding is a common presenting symptom in children and adults. The most useful diagnostic tool in cases with bleeding is the technetium-99m pertechnetate scan (Meckel scan).
- Obstructive symptoms are another common presenting symptom and may be caused by several mechanisms, including intussusception.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
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Sagar J, Kumar V, Shah DK. Meckel's diverticulum: a systematic review. J R Soc Med. 2006;99:501-5.[Abstract][Full Text]
Ezekian B, Leraas HJ, Englum BR, et al. Outcomes of laparoscopic resection of Meckel's diverticulum are equivalent to open laparotomy. J Pediatr Surg. 2019 Mar;54(3):507-10.[Abstract]
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