Meckel's Diverticulum

Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital, true diverticulum of the ileum. “True” means the pouch contains all layers of the intestinal wall, rather than being a superficial mucosal herniation. It forms when the embryonic omphalomesenteric, or vitelline, duct fails to disappear completely during the fifth to sixth weeks of gestation. About 2% of people have one. Most never develop symptoms. Of those with a Meckel's diverticulum, approximately 2% become symptomatic; symptomatic disease is more common in males and is seen most often before age 2, although older children and adults can present. The diverticulum is clinically quiet until its lining or position creates a problem. The major patterns are gastrointestinal bleeding, inflammation, and mechanical obstruction.