Meckel's Diverticulum

Meckel's diverticulum (say: "die-ver-tic-yu-lum") is a small pouch about the size of your thumb on the wall of the lower part of the small intestine (bowel). It's left over from your umbilical cord and intestines when you were a fetus. It occurs in 1 in 50 people.

Most people who have a Meckel's diverticulum have no problems. Only about 1 in 25 persons who are born with it have problems. These problems vary by age. In infants and children, the problem is usually bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes blood can be seen in the stool.

In adults, the intestine may become blocked. If this happens, the person may have stomach pain and vomiting. Other symptoms include fever, constipation and swelling of the stomach.

Currently, there is no safe, simple way to test for Meckel's diverticulum. When Meckel's diverticulum causes problems, it can usually be found by taking x-rays of the intestines.

People who have Meckel's diverticulum but are not having any problems usually don't need treatment. Other people may need treatment, depending on their age and whether they are having other problems. Sometimes surgery is used to remove the diverticulum and repair the intestine.