What does Meckels diverticulum look like?
The symptom seen most often with Meckel’s diverticulum is the passage of a large amount of dark red blood from the rectum. There may also be brick-colored, jelly-like stool present. Passing the blood is usually painless, although some children may have abdominal pain.
How does Meckels diverticulum present?
Meckel’s diverticulum is a true diverticulum, containing all layers of the small bowel wall. They arise from the antimesenteric surface of the middle-to-distal ileum. The diverticulum represents a persistent remnant of the omphalomesenteric duct, which connects the midgut to the yolk sac in the fetus.
Is Meckels diverticulum genetic?
INCIDENCE. Meckel’s diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, found in approximately 1% to 2% of the population in large autopsy and surgical series. The underlying genetic defects that cause Meckel’s diverticulum have not yet been identified.
Can Meckels diverticulum cause obstruction?
The frequent complications of Meckel’s diverticulum are hemorrhage, intestinal obstruction and diverticulitis. Intestinal obstruction is the second most common complication of Meckel’s diverticulum. There are plenty of mechanisms for bowel obstruction arising from a Meckel’s diverticulum.
How do you investigate for Meckels diverticulum?
Diagnostic investigations
- FBC.
- technetium-99m pertechnetate scan (‘Meckel’s scan’)
- plain abdominal radiography.
- CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis.
- ultrasound of the abdomen.
What is the treatment for Meckel’s diverticulum?
How is Meckel’s diverticulum treated? People who have Meckel’s diverticulum but don’t have any symptoms will not require treatment. Those who experience symptoms due to the condition may need to have surgery to remove the diverticulum. Surgery typically includes removal of the diverticulum and repair of the intestines.
What is a Meckel’s scan?
A Meckel’s scan is an imaging test used to detect a Meckel’s diverticulum. This is a small, abnormal pocket that forms in the wall of your child’s small intestine. During normal development of the gastrointestinal tract, a small duct forms off an area of what will eventually become the small intestine.
Is Meckel’s diverticulum genetic?