Meckel's diverticulum results from incomplete obliteration of the omphalomesenteric duct. (what is the mechanism for the incompleteness?

 

A Meckel diverticulum is a congenital remnant of the omphalomesenteric duct.

[ It contains all layers of the intestine and may have ectopic tissue present from either the pancreas (endocrine or amylase?)(or stomach. ]

It is located on the small intestine 2 ft from the ileocecal valve, and is about 2 in in length.

 

 

Bleeding due to the mucosal ulceration of adjacent small bowel tissue due to production of acid by ectopic gastric tissue within the diverticulum.

Other complications associated with a Meckel's diverticulum are obstruction, perforation, diverticulitis, and intussusception.

 

 

 Any Meckel's diverticulum that is symptomatic (causes rectal bleeding) should be resected. An asymptomatic Meckel's diverticulum discovered incidentally at laparotomy usually also is resected in children.

However, whether such asymptomatic lesions should be resected in adults is controversial because of the low incidence of complications in older patients who have never had symptoms [19].

 

 

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