Meckel's diverticulum

Meckel's diverticulum, a relatively common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, is present in approximately 2 percent of the population. When symptoms develop, they are usually the result of inflammation, hemorrhage or obstruction. Diagnosis is made by maintaining a high index of suspicion, carefully reviewing data from the history and physical examination, and performing a radionuclide scan. Surgical removal is usually indicated when symptoms occur. An asymptomatic Meckel's diverticulum that is discovered incidentally at surgery should usually be removed unless contraindications exist.