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Meckel Diverticulum

Congenital MONDO:0007955 Gastrointestinal Disease

Meckel diverticulum is the most common congenital malformation of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting from incomplete obliteration of the vitelline duct. It is a true diverticulum containing all layers of the intestinal wall and is typically located on the antimesenteric border of the ileum.

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Mappings
0
Definitions
0
Inheritance
1
Pathophysiology
0
Histopathology
6
Phenotypes
0
Genes
2
Treatments
0
Subtypes
0
Differentials
0
Datasets
0
Trials
⚙

Pathophysiology

1
Incomplete Vitelline Duct Obliteration
Meckel diverticulum results from failure of complete obliteration of the vitelline duct during embryonic development, leading to a persistent outpouching of the ileum.
Show evidence (2 references)
PMID:8506491 SUPPORT
"Meckel's diverticula are the result of incomplete degeneration of the vitelline duct."
This explains the embryological origin of Meckel diverticulum.
PMID:15026601 SUPPORT
"It results from improper closure and absorption of the omphalomesenteric duct."
This describes the embryological mechanism as failure of omphalomesenteric duct closure.
●

Phenotypes

6
Blood(1) Digestive(1) Other(4)
Blood 1
Gastrointestinal Bleeding FREQUENT Gastrointestinal hemorrhage (HP:0002239)
Painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding is the most common presentation in children, often due to peptic ulceration from ectopic gastric mucosa.
Show evidence (4 references)
PMID:8506491 SUPPORT
"Meckel's diverticula are most commonly manifested in children by painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding and in adults, as an inflammatory process or obstruction."
This describes the age-specific manifestations of Meckel diverticulum complications.
PMID:17021300 SUPPORT
"It can cause complications in the form of ulceration, haemorrhage, intussusception, intestinal obstruction, perforation and, very rarely, vesicodiverticular fistulae and tumours."
This systematic review identifies hemorrhage as a major complication of Meckel diverticulum.
PMID:15026601 SUPPORT
"The most common complications are hemorrhage from peptic ulceration, small intestinal obstruction, and diverticulitis."
This identifies hemorrhage from peptic ulceration as the most common complication.
+ 1 more reference
Digestive 1
Intestinal Obstruction FREQUENT Intestinal obstruction (HP:0005214)
Bowel obstruction is a common complication in adults, often due to intussusception, volvulus, or band formation.
Show evidence (5 references)
PMID:8506491 SUPPORT
"Meckel's diverticula are most commonly manifested in children by painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding and in adults, as an inflammatory process or obstruction."
This describes intestinal obstruction as a common adult presentation.
PMID:17021300 SUPPORT
"It can cause complications in the form of ulceration, haemorrhage, intussusception, intestinal obstruction, perforation and, very rarely, vesicodiverticular fistulae and tumours."
This systematic review identifies intestinal obstruction as a major complication.
PMID:27492813 SUPPORT
"The major complications of Meckel's diverticulum include gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, perforation and inflammation."
This identifies bowel obstruction as one of the major complications of Meckel diverticulum.
+ 2 more references
Other 4
Diverticulitis OCCASIONAL diverticulitis (MONDO:0004235)
Inflammation of the diverticulum (diverticulitis) may present similarly to appendicitis.
Show evidence (3 references)
PMID:8506491 SUPPORT
"Meckel's diverticula are most commonly manifested in children by painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding and in adults, as an inflammatory process or obstruction."
This describes inflammatory presentations in adults.
PMID:27492813 SUPPORT
"The major complications of Meckel's diverticulum include gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, perforation and inflammation."
This identifies inflammation as a major complication.
PMID:37769709 SUPPORT
"Diverticulitis in Meckel's diverticulum."
This is a case report specifically documenting diverticulitis in Meckel's diverticulum.
Intestinal Perforation OCCASIONAL intestinal perforation (MONDO:0006807)
Perforation of the diverticulum can occur, leading to peritonitis and acute abdomen.
Show evidence (3 references)
PMID:17021300 SUPPORT
"It can cause complications in the form of ulceration, haemorrhage, intussusception, intestinal obstruction, perforation and, very rarely, vesicodiverticular fistulae and tumours."
This systematic review identifies perforation as a complication of Meckel diverticulum.
PMID:27492813 SUPPORT
"The major complications of Meckel's diverticulum include gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, perforation and inflammation."
This identifies perforation as a major complication.
PMID:41044867 SUPPORT
"Perforated Meckel Diverticulum Caused by Vegetal Food Entrapment: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review."
This case report documents perforation of Meckel diverticulum.
Intussusception OCCASIONAL intussusception (MONDO:0007835)
Meckel diverticulum can serve as a lead point for intussusception.
Show evidence (2 references)
PMID:17021300 SUPPORT
"It can cause complications in the form of ulceration, haemorrhage, intussusception, intestinal obstruction, perforation and, very rarely, vesicodiverticular fistulae and tumours."
This systematic review identifies intussusception as a complication of Meckel diverticulum.
PMID:37099684 SUPPORT
"There are few cases of a Meckel's diverticulum having been identified as the lead point for adult intussusception."
This notes that Meckel diverticulum as a lead point for intussusception is uncommon in adults.
Ectopic Gastric Mucosa FREQUENT
Approximately 50-60% of symptomatic Meckel diverticula contain heterotopic gastric or pancreatic tissue, with gastric mucosa being more common.
Show evidence (2 references)
PMID:27064958 SUPPORT
"Our review shows 58 cases containing gastric and/or pancreatic heterotopic tissue, including two unique cases."
This large series of 208 pediatric cases documents heterotopic tissue in Meckel diverticulum.
PMID:15026601 SUPPORT
"Heterotopic gastric and pancreatic mucosa are frequently found histologically within the diverticula of symptomatic patients."
This confirms that heterotopic gastric and pancreatic mucosa are frequently found in symptomatic cases.
💊

Treatments

2
Surgical Resection for Symptomatic Cases MAXO:0000004
All symptomatic Meckel diverticula should be surgically removed, typically with a segment of adjacent ileum.
Show evidence (2 references)
PMID:8506491 SUPPORT
"All symptomatic and pathologic Meckel's diverticula should be removed with a segment of ileum."
This provides guidance on surgical management of symptomatic Meckel diverticula.
PMID:31930430 SUPPORT
"Complicated Meckel's diverticulum is treated by resection."
This confirms resection as the treatment for complicated cases.
Incidental Diverticulectomy with Stapling Devices MAXO:0000004
For incidentally discovered Meckel diverticula during surgery, removal using stapling devices is reasonable if the diverticulum easily fits in the device.
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:8506491 SUPPORT
"The use of stapling devices, with their ease of use and low complication rate, make it reasonable to remove any Meckel's diverticulum that easily fits in the device. If a diverticulum found incidentally is so broad-based or short that stapling cannot be done without difficulty, it is unlikely to..."
This provides specific guidance on management of incidentally discovered Meckel diverticula using stapling devices.
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Source YAML

click to show 
name: Meckel Diverticulum
creation_date: '2026-01-07T22:29:33Z'
updated_date: '2026-01-07T22:57:00Z'
disease_term:
  preferred_term: Meckel diverticulum
  term:
    id: MONDO:0007955
    label: Meckel diverticulum
category: Congenital
parents:
- Gastrointestinal Disease
synonyms:
- Meckel's diverticulum
- MD
description: Meckel diverticulum is the most common congenital malformation of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting from incomplete obliteration of the vitelline duct. It is a true diverticulum containing all layers of the intestinal wall and is typically located on the antimesenteric border of the ileum.
prevalence:
- population: Global
  percentage: 2
  notes: Occurs in approximately 2-3% of the general population. Males and females have equal frequency of formation, but complications are more common in males.
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:27492813
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Meckel's diverticulum is the most frequent congenital malformation of the gastrointestinal tract, occurring in 2% of the general population."
    explanation: This confirms the 2% prevalence rate in the general population.
  - reference: PMID:15026601
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Meckel diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, occurring in 2%-3% of the population."
    explanation: This confirms the 2-3% prevalence range.
  - reference: PMID:15026601
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "The formation of Meckel diverticulum occurs with equal frequency in both sexes, but symptoms from complications are more common in male patients."
    explanation: This documents the sex-specific differences in complication rates despite equal occurrence.
progression:
- phase: Lifetime Risk
  notes: Most cases remain asymptomatic throughout life. Lifetime risk of complications is 4-40%, with complications more common in childhood. 60% of patients present before age 10, with the remainder manifesting in adolescence and adulthood.
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:27492813
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Meckel's diverticulum is usually asymptomatic and found incidentally. However, the lifetime risk of complications is 4-40%."
    explanation: This describes the natural history and complication rates.
  - reference: PMID:8506491
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "It is generally believed that less than 5% of them become symptomatic, the frequency decreasing with age."
    explanation: This indicates that most cases remain asymptomatic and complications decrease with age.
  - reference: PMID:15026601
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Sixty percent of patients come to medical attention before 10 years of age, with the remainder of cases manifesting in adolescence and adulthood."
    explanation: This documents the age distribution of symptomatic presentations.
pathophysiology:
- name: Incomplete Vitelline Duct Obliteration
  description: Meckel diverticulum results from failure of complete obliteration of the vitelline duct during embryonic development, leading to a persistent outpouching of the ileum.
  consequence: Formation of a true diverticulum containing all layers of the intestinal wall, typically located on the antimesenteric border of the distal ileum.
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:8506491
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Meckel's diverticula are the result of incomplete degeneration of the vitelline duct."
    explanation: This explains the embryological origin of Meckel diverticulum.
  - reference: PMID:15026601
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "It results from improper closure and absorption of the omphalomesenteric duct."
    explanation: This describes the embryological mechanism as failure of omphalomesenteric duct closure.
phenotypes:
- category: Gastrointestinal
  name: Gastrointestinal Bleeding
  frequency: FREQUENT
  notes: Painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding is the most common presentation in children, often due to peptic ulceration from ectopic gastric mucosa.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
    term:
      id: HP:0002239
      label: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:8506491
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Meckel's diverticula are most commonly manifested in children by painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding and in adults, as an inflammatory process or obstruction."
    explanation: This describes the age-specific manifestations of Meckel diverticulum complications.
  - reference: PMID:17021300
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "It can cause complications in the form of ulceration, haemorrhage, intussusception, intestinal obstruction, perforation and, very rarely, vesicodiverticular fistulae and tumours."
    explanation: This systematic review identifies hemorrhage as a major complication of Meckel diverticulum.
  - reference: PMID:15026601
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "The most common complications are hemorrhage from peptic ulceration, small intestinal obstruction, and diverticulitis."
    explanation: This identifies hemorrhage from peptic ulceration as the most common complication.
  - reference: PMID:19444035
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Our first patient presented with massive bleeding per rectum in the first week of life, which is the only case reported so far."
    explanation: This documents rare neonatal presentation with massive rectal bleeding in the first week of life.
- category: Gastrointestinal
  name: Intestinal Obstruction
  frequency: FREQUENT
  notes: Bowel obstruction is a common complication in adults, often due to intussusception, volvulus, or band formation.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Intestinal obstruction
    term:
      id: HP:0005214
      label: Intestinal obstruction
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:8506491
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Meckel's diverticula are most commonly manifested in children by painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding and in adults, as an inflammatory process or obstruction."
    explanation: This describes intestinal obstruction as a common adult presentation.
  - reference: PMID:17021300
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "It can cause complications in the form of ulceration, haemorrhage, intussusception, intestinal obstruction, perforation and, very rarely, vesicodiverticular fistulae and tumours."
    explanation: This systematic review identifies intestinal obstruction as a major complication.
  - reference: PMID:27492813
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "The major complications of Meckel's diverticulum include gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, perforation and inflammation."
    explanation: This identifies bowel obstruction as one of the major complications of Meckel diverticulum.
  - reference: PMID:1084202
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "In particular, the possiblity of an attached mesodiverticular band leading to obstruction must be stressed."
    explanation: This highlights mesodiverticular bands as an important cause of intestinal obstruction.
  - reference: PMID:15026601
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "The most common complications are hemorrhage from peptic ulceration, small intestinal obstruction, and diverticulitis."
    explanation: This identifies small intestinal obstruction as one of the three most common complications.
- category: Gastrointestinal
  name: Diverticulitis
  frequency: OCCASIONAL
  notes: Inflammation of the diverticulum (diverticulitis) may present similarly to appendicitis.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: diverticulitis
    term:
      id: MONDO:0004235
      label: diverticulitis
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:8506491
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Meckel's diverticula are most commonly manifested in children by painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding and in adults, as an inflammatory process or obstruction."
    explanation: This describes inflammatory presentations in adults.
  - reference: PMID:27492813
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "The major complications of Meckel's diverticulum include gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, perforation and inflammation."
    explanation: This identifies inflammation as a major complication.
  - reference: PMID:37769709
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Diverticulitis in Meckel's diverticulum."
    explanation: This is a case report specifically documenting diverticulitis in Meckel's diverticulum.
- category: Gastrointestinal
  name: Intestinal Perforation
  frequency: OCCASIONAL
  notes: Perforation of the diverticulum can occur, leading to peritonitis and acute abdomen.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: intestinal perforation
    term:
      id: MONDO:0006807
      label: intestinal perforation
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:17021300
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "It can cause complications in the form of ulceration, haemorrhage, intussusception, intestinal obstruction, perforation and, very rarely, vesicodiverticular fistulae and tumours."
    explanation: This systematic review identifies perforation as a complication of Meckel diverticulum.
  - reference: PMID:27492813
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "The major complications of Meckel's diverticulum include gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, perforation and inflammation."
    explanation: This identifies perforation as a major complication.
  - reference: PMID:41044867
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Perforated Meckel Diverticulum Caused by Vegetal Food Entrapment: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review."
    explanation: This case report documents perforation of Meckel diverticulum.
- category: Gastrointestinal
  name: Intussusception
  frequency: OCCASIONAL
  notes: Meckel diverticulum can serve as a lead point for intussusception.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: intussusception
    term:
      id: MONDO:0007835
      label: intussusception
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:17021300
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "It can cause complications in the form of ulceration, haemorrhage, intussusception, intestinal obstruction, perforation and, very rarely, vesicodiverticular fistulae and tumours."
    explanation: This systematic review identifies intussusception as a complication of Meckel diverticulum.
  - reference: PMID:37099684
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "There are few cases of a Meckel's diverticulum having been identified as the lead point for adult intussusception."
    explanation: This notes that Meckel diverticulum as a lead point for intussusception is uncommon in adults.
- category: Gastrointestinal
  name: Ectopic Gastric Mucosa
  frequency: FREQUENT
  notes: Approximately 50-60% of symptomatic Meckel diverticula contain heterotopic gastric or pancreatic tissue, with gastric mucosa being more common.
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:27064958
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Our review shows 58 cases containing gastric and/or pancreatic heterotopic tissue, including two unique cases."
    explanation: This large series of 208 pediatric cases documents heterotopic tissue in Meckel diverticulum.
  - reference: PMID:15026601
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Heterotopic gastric and pancreatic mucosa are frequently found histologically within the diverticula of symptomatic patients."
    explanation: This confirms that heterotopic gastric and pancreatic mucosa are frequently found in symptomatic cases.
treatments:
- name: Surgical Resection for Symptomatic Cases
  description: All symptomatic Meckel diverticula should be surgically removed, typically with a segment of adjacent ileum.
  treatment_term:
    preferred_term: surgical procedure
    term:
      id: MAXO:0000004
      label: surgical procedure
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:8506491
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "All symptomatic and pathologic Meckel's diverticula should be removed with a segment of ileum."
    explanation: This provides guidance on surgical management of symptomatic Meckel diverticula.
  - reference: PMID:31930430
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Complicated Meckel's diverticulum is treated by resection."
    explanation: This confirms resection as the treatment for complicated cases.
- name: Incidental Diverticulectomy with Stapling Devices
  description: For incidentally discovered Meckel diverticula during surgery, removal using stapling devices is reasonable if the diverticulum easily fits in the device.
  treatment_term:
    preferred_term: surgical procedure
    term:
      id: MAXO:0000004
      label: surgical procedure
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:8506491
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "The use of stapling devices, with their ease of use and low complication rate, make it reasonable to remove any Meckel's diverticulum that easily fits in the device. If a diverticulum found incidentally is so broad-based or short that stapling cannot be done without difficulty, it is unlikely to become symptomatic and should be left undisturbed."
    explanation: This provides specific guidance on management of incidentally discovered Meckel diverticula using stapling devices.