MECKEL’S DIVERTICULUM

• Meckel’s diverticulum is a persistent remnant of the vitellointestinal duct.
• It is found on the antimesentric side of the ileum.
• Meckel’s diverticulum is a congenital diverticulum.
• It is a true diverticulum (contains all the 3 layers of intestine).

Clinical features-

1. Haemorrhage

• Melaena may occur
• Radioisotope scanning with technetium- 99m may demonstrate Meckel’s diverticulum.

2. Diverculitis

 3. Intussusception

4. Chronic ulceration

 5. Intestinal obstruction- leas to the development of volvulus.

6. Perforation

 7. Meckel’s diverticulum is an inguinal or femoral hernia is called Littre’s hernia.

Investigations-

• Technetium- 99m labelled pertechnetate taken up by mucin secreting cells & parietal cells.
• Useful in children with bleeding.

Treatment-

• Meckel’s diverticulectomy