Meckel diverticulum

Definition:

A common congenital abnormally that consists of a small pouch called a diverticulum, located off the wall of the small bowel. The diverticulum may contain stomach (gastric) or pancreatic tissue.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The Meckel diverticulum appears to be a remnant of developmental structures that were not fully reabsorbed. Approximately 3% of the population has a Meckel diverticulum but only a small portion of these become symptomatic. Symptoms include diverticulitis or bleeding in the intestine (see GI bleeding). Symptoms generally occur during the first few years of life.