What is Meckel's diverticulum?

Meckel's diverticulum is recognized as a congenital ileal outpocketing that occurs due to the persistence of the vitelline duct, which is a connection between the yolk sac and the developing intestine during embryonic development. Normally, this duct is supposed to obliterate during fetal development, but in some cases, it remains partially open, leading to the formation of the diverticulum.

This pouch can be found in the ileum, which is the last part of the small intestine, typically located about 2 feet from the cecum. It is the most common congenital anomaly affecting the gastrointestinal tract, and in some individuals, it may not cause any symptoms. However, it can lead to complications such as inflammation, bleeding, or obstruction if it becomes attached to other structures or if the contents of the intestine become trapped.

Understanding Meckel's diverticulum is important in the context of congenital gastrointestinal disorders, distinguishing it from acquired conditions or malignancies.