Meckel’s Diverticulum

• 2% have it

• There are two forms

1. Symptomatic – discovered before age 2

2. Asymptomatic

   • It is attached to the last 2 feet of the ileum

   • Meckel’s Diverticulum is the #1 cause for a bloody diaper (rectal bleeding).

   • It is a red flag for child abuse

   • Meckel’s diverticulum mimic appendicitis in its presentation of acute abdomen.

   • The appendix is also a blind sac

   • Both the appendix and Meckel’s Diverticulum can get obstructed

   • Because Meckel’s Diverticulum can be located anywhere in the last 2 feet of the ileum it is possible for it to present on the left or the right.

   • Infants with Meckel’s Diverticulum cannot afford the blood loss and as a result will not thrive.

   • Surgical repair is the treatment for Meckel’s Diverticulum

   • In adults meckel’s diverticulum is asymptomatic and because they have had it for so long the best thing to do is leave it alone and see if the individual can go the distance.

   • It is possible for these individuals to get an overlay of Zollinger-Ellison

Category: Gastroenterology Notes