Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesWho Gets Meckel’s?How CommonSymptoms and ComplicationsSimilar ConditionsDiagnosisSurgical TreatmentPrognosis
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Who Gets Meckel’s?
How Common
Symptoms and Complications
Similar Conditions
Diagnosis
Surgical Treatment
Prognosis
Meckel’sdiverticulumis an abnormal pouch in the wall of the small intestine, close to the area where the small and large intestines join. It is the most commoncongenitalanomaly (anatomical difference present at birth) of the gastrointestinal system.
This condition usually doesn’t cause symptoms and a person may never know they have it. But it can sometimes lead to serious bleeding, bowel obstruction, and infection (Meckel’sdiverticulitis).
This article discusses Meckel’s diverticulum, including who it affects and what surgical treatment entails.
fizkes / Getty Images
What Causes Meckel’s Diverticulum?
No one knows why some people have Meckel’s diverticulum. It is a condition present at birth, though it does not appear to run in families.
The pouch forms from a type of digestive system tissue that’s usually absorbed before birth. It’s a remnant of the vitelline duct, which connects the intestines to the fetus’s umbilical cord. The pouch usually contains the same type of tissue as the stomach and pancreas, rather than intestinal tissue.
Diverticulum, Diverticulosis, and DiverticulitisDiverticulosisis a condition in which pouches form in weak points in the intestines. Each pouch is called a diverticulum.Diverticulitisis an inflammation of a pouch. Meckel’s diverticulum differs from other intestinal pouches because it is present at birth rather than developing later. It can also cause diverticulitis, however, if it becomes inflamed.
Diverticulum, Diverticulosis, and Diverticulitis
Diverticulosisis a condition in which pouches form in weak points in the intestines. Each pouch is called a diverticulum.Diverticulitisis an inflammation of a pouch. Meckel’s diverticulum differs from other intestinal pouches because it is present at birth rather than developing later. It can also cause diverticulitis, however, if it becomes inflamed.
Who Gets Meckel’s Diverticulum?
Anyone can be born with Meckel’s diverticulum. It is seen in people of any sex. Research shows males are more likely to develop symptoms, which are most common in young children under age 4, with the risk decreasing over time.However, symptoms can develop at any age.
(Note that when citing research or health authorities, the terms for sex or gender from the source are used.)
People with other congenital anomalies, including in theesophagus(food tube), rectum, and anus, may be more likely to have Meckel’s diverticulum. It may also be linked to defects in the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
How Common Is Meckel’s Diverticulum?
Meckel’s diverticulum is estimated to occur in about 2% of the population or about 1 in every 50 people.However, the actual percentage may be higher because many people don’t know they have it unless they develop symptoms.
Sometimes it’s found during a medical imaging study such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but Meckel’s diverticulum often goes undetected.
Children
Infants and very young children with Meckel’s diverticulum are most likely to develop symptoms. Meckel’s diverticulum is the most common cause of massive bleeding from the lower intestinal tract in children under 2.
The average age at which symptoms develop is around age 2.As a child grows older, the likelihood of symptoms developing decreases.
Adults
Though symptoms from Meckel’s diverticulum are unusual in adults, they can happen at any age. The likelihood of someone developing symptoms over their lifetime if they have Meckel’s diverticulum is about 4%.Males tend to have a higher complication rate than females, with the most common complication being bowel obstruction.
Though most people don’t have symptoms from Meckel’s diverticulum, the pouch can produce acid just like the stomach because it can contain the same type of tissue. The acid can irritate the intestinal lining and form an ulcer. If the ulcer ruptures, or if the pouch moves, it can cause the following symptoms and complications:
If bleeding, blockage, or infection develops, it can be a medical emergency. If someone is having severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding that does not stop, or signs of infection or blockage, seek medical care immediately.
Why Are People Often Asymptomatic?
Most people will not develop symptoms from Meckel’s diverticulum. Many of the pouches don’t produce stomach acid even though they may contain some of the same kind of tissue as the stomach.
Any symptoms felt are due to complications. Complications can include ulcers that form from stomach acid production in the diverticulum or a twisting of the fibrous band that attaches to the umbilicus (navel). However, these are not expected to occur.
Conditions With Symptoms Similar to Meckel’s Diverticulum
Healthcare providers may overlook symptoms of Meckel’s diverticulum because it is rare and symptoms can closely resemble other conditions includingappendicitis,peptic ulcers(an erosion in the lining of the stomach or small intestine), andCrohn’s disease(a type of inflammatory bowel disease).
If the diverticulum becomes inflamed and results in diverticulitis, symptoms can be particularly hard to distinguish from those of an appendicitis attack. However, with diverticulitis, the pain and tenderness are located around the navel, whereas appendicitis pain begins in the middle of the abdomen and moves to the lower right side.
Crohn’s disease can also cause rectal bleeding. Peptic ulcer disease symptoms similar to Meckel’s diverticulum include abdominal pain and sometimes nausea and vomiting.
How Is Meckel’s Diverticulum Diagnosed?
Though Meckel’s diverticulum may never be diagnosed unless it causes symptoms, there are tests that can lead to a diagnosis. These include:
If Meckel’s diverticulum is not causing any symptoms but is discovered during an imaging study or another procedure, it is generally not removed. If a person has risk factors such as being male, being under age 50, having a longer diverticulum, or having a diverticulum with abnormal features, surgical removal may be considered.
If Meckel’s diverticulum is causing severe symptoms like hemorrhage or blockage, the pouch can be removed surgically. After general anesthesia, a surgeon performs either a minimally invasive procedure, which heals more quickly, or open surgery, which requires a larger incision.
In very severe cases, emergency surgery may be necessary to remove an obstruction, stop bleeding, and remove the intestinal pouch.
Surgical ComplicationsRisks for surgery to remove diverticula are similar to those of other abdominal surgeries. Risks include infection and internal scarring. Other general risks of surgery include an allergy to anesthesia, bleeding, blood clots, stroke and heart attack.Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of surgery for Meckel’s diverticulum so that you understand them prior to your procedure.
Surgical Complications
Risks for surgery to remove diverticula are similar to those of other abdominal surgeries. Risks include infection and internal scarring. Other general risks of surgery include an allergy to anesthesia, bleeding, blood clots, stroke and heart attack.Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of surgery for Meckel’s diverticulum so that you understand them prior to your procedure.
Risks for surgery to remove diverticula are similar to those of other abdominal surgeries. Risks include infection and internal scarring. Other general risks of surgery include an allergy to anesthesia, bleeding, blood clots, stroke and heart attack.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of surgery for Meckel’s diverticulum so that you understand them prior to your procedure.
Prognosis After Meckel’s Diverticulum Removal
Barring unusual surgical complications, the outlook for recovery from Meckel’s diverticulum is very good.The source of the problem has been removed and the pouch will not grow back. Recovery time from surgery will vary according to factors including age, general health, and whether the procedure was minimally invasive or required a larger incision.
Summary
The condition does not harm your health unless it becomes inflamed (diverticulitis), bursts, or moves and blocks the intestine. Very young children are most likely to develop symptoms of painless rectal bleeding, but symptoms can develop at any age, and also include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
A diagnosis may be overlooked because it is rare and mimics other abdominal conditions, including appendicitis. If severe symptoms develop, surgery can remove the pouch. In some cases, Meckel’s diverticulum can become a medical emergency, due to hemorrhage, infection, or bowel obstruction.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kuru S, Kismet K.Meckel’s diverticulum: clinical features, diagnosis and management.Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2018;110(11):726-732. doi:10.17235/reed.2018.5628/2018Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Meckel’s diverticulum.Çelebi S.Male predominance in Meckel’s diverticulum: a hyperacidity hypotheses.Med Hypotheses.2017;104:54-57. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2017.05.014Cincinnati Children’s.Meckel’s diverticulum.Mehrabani S, Osia S.A pediatric case of Meckel diverticulum with uncommon presentation showing no lower gastrointestinal bleeding.Pediatr Rep. 2017;9(1):6973. doi:10.4081/pr.2017.6973Blouhos K, Boulas KA, Tsalis K, et al.Meckel’s diverticulum in adults: surgical concerns.Front Surg.2018;5:55. doi:10.3389/fsurg.2018.00055Hansen CC, Søreide K.Systematic review of epidemiology, presentation, and management of Meckel’s diverticulum in the 21st century.Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(35):e12154. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000012154Wong CS, Dupley L, Varia HN, Golka D, Linn T.Meckel’s diverticulitis: a rare entity of Meckel’s diverticulum.J Surg Case Rep.2017;2017(1):rjw225. doi:10.1093/jscr/rjw225.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of peptic ulcers.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kuru S, Kismet K.Meckel’s diverticulum: clinical features, diagnosis and management.Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2018;110(11):726-732. doi:10.17235/reed.2018.5628/2018Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Meckel’s diverticulum.Çelebi S.Male predominance in Meckel’s diverticulum: a hyperacidity hypotheses.Med Hypotheses.2017;104:54-57. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2017.05.014Cincinnati Children’s.Meckel’s diverticulum.Mehrabani S, Osia S.A pediatric case of Meckel diverticulum with uncommon presentation showing no lower gastrointestinal bleeding.Pediatr Rep. 2017;9(1):6973. doi:10.4081/pr.2017.6973Blouhos K, Boulas KA, Tsalis K, et al.Meckel’s diverticulum in adults: surgical concerns.Front Surg.2018;5:55. doi:10.3389/fsurg.2018.00055Hansen CC, Søreide K.Systematic review of epidemiology, presentation, and management of Meckel’s diverticulum in the 21st century.Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(35):e12154. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000012154Wong CS, Dupley L, Varia HN, Golka D, Linn T.Meckel’s diverticulitis: a rare entity of Meckel’s diverticulum.J Surg Case Rep.2017;2017(1):rjw225. doi:10.1093/jscr/rjw225.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of peptic ulcers.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Kuru S, Kismet K.Meckel’s diverticulum: clinical features, diagnosis and management.Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2018;110(11):726-732. doi:10.17235/reed.2018.5628/2018Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Meckel’s diverticulum.Çelebi S.Male predominance in Meckel’s diverticulum: a hyperacidity hypotheses.Med Hypotheses.2017;104:54-57. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2017.05.014Cincinnati Children’s.Meckel’s diverticulum.Mehrabani S, Osia S.A pediatric case of Meckel diverticulum with uncommon presentation showing no lower gastrointestinal bleeding.Pediatr Rep. 2017;9(1):6973. doi:10.4081/pr.2017.6973Blouhos K, Boulas KA, Tsalis K, et al.Meckel’s diverticulum in adults: surgical concerns.Front Surg.2018;5:55. doi:10.3389/fsurg.2018.00055Hansen CC, Søreide K.Systematic review of epidemiology, presentation, and management of Meckel’s diverticulum in the 21st century.Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(35):e12154. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000012154Wong CS, Dupley L, Varia HN, Golka D, Linn T.Meckel’s diverticulitis: a rare entity of Meckel’s diverticulum.J Surg Case Rep.2017;2017(1):rjw225. doi:10.1093/jscr/rjw225.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of peptic ulcers.
Kuru S, Kismet K.Meckel’s diverticulum: clinical features, diagnosis and management.Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2018;110(11):726-732. doi:10.17235/reed.2018.5628/2018
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Meckel’s diverticulum.
Çelebi S.Male predominance in Meckel’s diverticulum: a hyperacidity hypotheses.Med Hypotheses.2017;104:54-57. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2017.05.014
Cincinnati Children’s.Meckel’s diverticulum.
Mehrabani S, Osia S.A pediatric case of Meckel diverticulum with uncommon presentation showing no lower gastrointestinal bleeding.Pediatr Rep. 2017;9(1):6973. doi:10.4081/pr.2017.6973
Blouhos K, Boulas KA, Tsalis K, et al.Meckel’s diverticulum in adults: surgical concerns.Front Surg.2018;5:55. doi:10.3389/fsurg.2018.00055
Hansen CC, Søreide K.Systematic review of epidemiology, presentation, and management of Meckel’s diverticulum in the 21st century.Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(35):e12154. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000012154
Wong CS, Dupley L, Varia HN, Golka D, Linn T.Meckel’s diverticulitis: a rare entity of Meckel’s diverticulum.J Surg Case Rep.2017;2017(1):rjw225. doi:10.1093/jscr/rjw225.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of peptic ulcers.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
