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OVERVIEW

What is Meckel’s Diverticulum?

Meckel’s diverticulum is a small pouch on the wall of the lower part of the small intestine (bowel). A normal intestine does not have a pouch. The condition is congenital, which means it is present at birth. It occurs in a small percentage of the population.

SYMPTOMS

What problems might Meckel’s diverticulum cause?

Most people who have a Meckel’s diverticulum have no symptoms. Only a small percentage people who are born with it will have problems. Symptoms vary by age. Infants and children may have bleeding from the rectum. Sometimes blood can be seen in the stool. In adults, the intestine may become blocked. If this happens, the person may have stomach pain and vomiting. Other symptoms include fever, constipation, decreased ability to pass gas, and swelling of the stomach.

CAUSES

What causes a Meckel’s diverticulum?

A Meckel’s diverticulum is formed when the fetus is in the womb. The pouch is made up of leftover tissue from the baby’s digestive tract.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How is a Meckel’s diverticulum diagnosed?

Although a Meckel’s diverticulum exists at birth, healthcare providers do not test for it. Contact your healthcare provider if you or your child develops symptoms. They can do a test called a Meckel’s scan. For the test, the healthcare provider injects a fluid into your body that can be seen by a special camera. If you have a diverticulum, the fluid will gather around the pouch. This allows the healthcare provider to confirm a diagnosis.

PREVENTION

Can a Meckel’s diverticulum be prevented or avoided?

You cannot prevent or avoid a Meckel’s diverticulum.

TREATMENT

Treatment for a Meckel’s diverticulum is needed for people who have symptoms. This may include surgery, as a last resort, to remove the pouch and repair the intestine. Risks of surgery include bleeding, swelling, tearing, and folding of the intestines.

Living with a Meckel’s diverticulum

People who don’t have symptoms can be monitored by their doctor. People who have surgery to remove the diverticulum often recover to live a full life. The pouch does not grow back.