Meckels diverticulum

Abdomen | Gastroenterology | Meckels diverticulum (Disease)


Description

A Meckel diverticulum is a vestigial remnant of the omphalomesenteric (vitellointestinal) duct. Meckel diverticula is actually a remnant of the duct omfalomezenteric, called yolk duct, which normally is completely obliterates Week 7 intrauterine life. Duct role was to transport nutrients to the embryo in early stages of life. Pouches is a congenital, not hereditary (not a genetic defect associated and incriminated in the occurrence of). The literature describing the association of this malformation imperforatii duodenal and anal. Although it is estimated that 2% of people Meckel diverticulum, it is often asymptomatic or paucisimptomatic and can manifest in the newborn period up to age three.

When overt, pouches have a wide range of symptoms and complications: from diverticulitis (inflammation of the lining) to intestinal bleeding and even death (especially when associated intussusception, torsion and bowel obstruction).

Causes and Risk factors

As a congenital anomaly, it is a true diverticulum that includes all 3 coats of the small intestine. Generally, a Meckel diverticulum ranges from 1-12cm in length and is found 45-90cm proximal to the ileocecal valve. It frequently contains heterotropic tissue; when it does, gastric mucosa accounts for 50%.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Surgery to remove the diverticulum is recommended if bleeding develops. In these rare cases, the segment of small intestine that contains the diverticulum is surgically removed. The ends of the intestine are sewn back together.

You may need iron replacement to correct anemia. If you have a lot of bleeding, you may need a blood transfusion.

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