How common is Meckel's diverticulum in children?

Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract that results from an incomplete obliteration of the omphalomesenteric duct, which connects the yolk sac to the developing intestine during fetal development. In children, Meckel's diverticulum is estimated to occur in about 2% of the population. This prevalence is significant because while many individuals with Meckel's diverticulum remain asymptomatic, it may lead to complications such as intestinal obstruction or diverticulitis, particularly in pediatric patients.

Understanding the prevalence is important for diagnosing unexplained abdominal pain in children, as Meckel's diverticulum may be a potential underlying cause. The 2% figure reflects the general consensus in medical literature on the incidence of this condition, making it the most accurate choice in this context.