Meckel's diverticulum overview

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

A Meckel's diverticulum, a true congenital diverticulum, is a small bulge in the small intestine present at birth. It is a vestigial remnant of the omphalomesenteric duct (also called the vitelline duct), and is the most frequent malformation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Classification

It is named after Johann Friedrich Meckel, who first described this type of diverticulum in 1809.

Epidemiology and Demographics

Meckel's diverticulum is present in approximately 2% of the population, with males more frequently experiencing symptoms.