General description
- Most common congenital abnormality of gastrointestinal tract
- Occurs due to incomplete obliteration of omphalomesenteric duct in the 7th week of gestation
- True diverticulum (presence of all layers of small bowel wall)
- Develop from anti-mesenteric surface of the mid-distal ileum
Rule of 2s
1. Occurs in 2% population
2. Symptomatic cases are 2 times more common in males
3. Located within 2 feet proximal to ileocecal valve
4. 2 inches long and 2 cm diameter
5. 2 types of ectopic mucosa: gastric and pancreatic
- Meckel’s scan (Tc99m) identifies gastric mucosa
6. Symptomatic only in 2% adults
- Meckel’s diverticulitis
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
- Small bowel obstruction
7. Usually symptomatic before 2 years age
8. 2 types of surgery:
- Long diverticula (height to diameter ratio >2): Diverticulectomy
- If inflamed/perforated base or complicated obstruction: Wedge or segmental resection
- Short diverticula (height to diameter ratio <2): Wedge or segmental resection
