Last updated: 02/17/2009

The vast majority of Meckel's diverticulum diagnoses are incidental, that is, discovered during barium studies, abdominal surgery for other conditions, or autopsy. The most common symptom of the condition is intestinal bleeding, which occurs in 25–50%...

of patients who have complications. Hemorrhage is the most significant symptom in children two years old and younger. Intestinal obstructions are common, resulting from complications of the tissue surrounding the diverticula. Symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum has symptoms similar to appendicitis. Lower abdominable pain or diverculitits accounts for 10–20% of cases, and requires careful diagnosis to distinguish it from appendicitis. Left untreated, diverticulitis can lead to perforation of the intestine and peritonitis.

Patients who have diverticulitis symptoms, such as acute abdominal pain are given various imaging tests, including a CT scan, colonoscopy, or a sigmoidoscopy (view of the lower colon through a tiny video instrument placed in the rectum). For children, a special chemical diagnostic test of sodium Tc-pertechnetate, a radioisotope that reacts to the mucosa in the diverticulum, allows inflammation or infection to be viewed radiographically. In adult patients, barium studies may help with diagnosis. When acute hemorrhaging is present, MR imaging of blood vessels is an effective diagnostic tool.

If surgery is indicated for Meckel's diverticulum, an enema is given (unless contraindicated by complications) to completely clear the bowel and avoid infection during surgery.