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Meckel's diverticulum

Definition:
A Meckel's diverticulum is a common congenital (present from before birth) formation that consists of a small pouch called a diverticulum, located off the wall of the small bowel. The diverticulum may contain stomach or pancreatic tissue.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

A Meckel's diverticulum is a remnant of structures within the fetal digestive tract that were not fully reabsorbed before birth. Approximately 2% of the population has a Meckel's diverticulum, but only a few develop symptoms.

Symptoms include diverticulitis or bleeding in the intestine (see GI bleeding). Symptoms often occur during the first few years of life but can occur in adults as well.



Review Date: 12/27/2002
Reviewed By: Hebe Molmenti, M.D., Ph.D., Private Practice specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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