Intermediate
Technical
IVT
Meckel's diverticulum
Pronunciation: MEK-elz dy-ver-TIK-u-lum
Congenital small bowel diverticulum that may contain ectopic gastric tissue and present with bleeding or obstruction.
Full Definition
Meckel's diverticulum is a true congenital diverticulum of the small intestine, representing a remnant of the omphalomesenteric duct. Located on the antimesenteric border of the ileum, it may contain ectopic gastric or pancreatic tissue. While often asymptomatic, complications include gastrointestinal bleeding (especially in children), bowel obstruction, or rarely, malignant transformation to adenocarcinoma. Editorial note: Possessive form with apostrophe is standard in medical literature.
Usage
Usage note: Retain possessive apostrophe; capitalize Meckel as it's an eponym.
In Context
- "Technetium-99m pertechnetate scan identified ectopic gastric mucosa within Meckel's diverticulum." — Nuclear medicine report
- "Laparoscopic diverticulectomy was performed for bleeding Meckel's diverticulum." — Operative report
Also known as
ileal diverticulum
Don't confuse with
colonic diverticulum
duodenal diverticulum
appendicitis