User:Mr. Ibrahem/Meckel's diverticulum

Meckel's diverticulum is a small bulge in the small intestine, which is present at birth. Most people never develop symptoms. In those that do, rectal bleeding without pain is most common. The blood is typically "current jelly" colored in children and black in adults. Other presentations may include volvulus, intussusception, inflammation, tumors, or intestinal perforation. In those who developed symptoms, this often occurs in the first few years of life.

The cause is unclear. It may be associated with other birth defects. It is a true diverticulum, being a remnant of the omphalomesenteric duct (vitelline duct). It occurs in the part of the small intestine known as the ileum. It may contain gastric or pancreatic tissue. Diagnosis may be by CT scan or radionuclide scan.

In those without symptoms, management is unclear. In those who develop symptoms, surgical removal is the treatment. This may be done by an open or laparoscopic technique. Those who have lost a significant amounts of blood may require a blood transfusion.

Meckel's diverticulum is present in about 2% of people, making it the most common malformation of the gastrointestinal tract. Males are more commonly affected than females. It was first mentioned in 1699 by Lavater and later in 1809 by Johann Friedrich Meckel, after who it is named.