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Meckel diverticulum

pathology
Also known as: Meckel’s diverticulum

Quick Summary

Meckel diverticulum is a congenital malformation of the small intestine that occurs when the fetal duct connecting the navel to the small intestine fails to close. This results in a pouch or tube, known as a diverticulum, that can range in length.12

In some cases, this diverticulum may contain stomach cells that secrete acid and pepsin. When these secretions spill onto the intestinal lining, they can cause ulceration, bleeding, and pain, mimicking a peptic ulcer. This is the most common cause of lower intestinal bleeding in children.1

While Meckel diverticulum is relatively common, a small percentage of individuals require surgical removal due to complications like bleeding or inflammation.3

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