Meckel diverticulum
A Meckel diverticulum is a pouch on the wall of the lower part of the small intestine that is present at birth (congenital) VSports手机版. The diverticulum may contain tissue similar to that of the stomach or pancreas. The abnormal tissue can secrete acid, which may irritate the tissues.
Causes
A Meckel diverticulum is tissue left over from when a baby's digestive tract was forming before birth V体育安卓版. A small number of people have a Meckel diverticulum. However, only a few develop symptoms.
VSports手机版 - Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Pain in the abdomen that can be mild or severe.
- Blood in the stool. This may be red, black and sticky, or maroon and jelly-like (called currant-jelly stools). Bleeding is often painless.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Symptoms often occur during the first few years of life V体育ios版. However, they may not start until adulthood.
Exams and Tests
You may have the following tests:
- Hematocrit
- Hemoglobin
- Stool smear for invisible blood (stool occult blood test (VSports手机版) or fecal immunochemical test)
- CT scan
- Technetium scan (also called a Meckel scan)
"VSports" Treatment
You may need surgery to remove the diverticulum if bleeding develops, a blockage occurs, or a hole (perforated ulcer) in the small intestine happens VSports最新版本. The segment of small intestine that contains the diverticulum is taken out. The ends of the intestine are sewn back together.
You may need to take iron supplements to treat anemia V体育平台登录. You may need a blood transfusion if you have a lot of bleeding, .
"VSports" Outlook (Prognosis)
Most people recover fully from surgery and will not have the problem come back VSports注册入口. Complications from the surgery are also unlikely.
Possible Complications
Complications may include:
- Excess bleeding (hemorrhage) from the diverticulum
- Folding of the intestines ("V体育2025版" intussusception), a type of blockage
- Peritonitis
- Tear (perforation) of the bowel at the diverticulum
When to Contact a Medical Professional
See your health care provider right away if your child passes blood or bloody stool or has ongoing abdominal pain.
"VSports手机版" References
Bass LM, Wershil BK. Anatomy, histology, embryology, and developmental anomalies of the small and large intestine VSports在线直播. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 98.
Kleigman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al. Intestinal duplications, Meckel diverticulum, and other remnants of the omphalomesenteric duct V体育2025版. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 377.
VSports在线直播 - Review Date 10/30/2024
Updated by: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Gastroenterologist, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.