Meckel's diverticulum is derived from an abnormal persistence of the proximal part of the vitelline duct.
It is situated 80cm proximal to the ileocaecal junction on the antimesenteric border.
is a small pouch or a blind segment
This is a true diverticulum containing all three layers of the bowel wall (mucosa, submucosa and muscularis propra).
Histology reveals normal small intestinal mucosa. Often heterotopic rests of gastric and colonic mucosa or pancreatic tissue may be present.
Complications of Meckel's diverticulum:
3) vesiculodiverticular fistula,
4) ulceration (peptic ulceration occurs in the ileum adjacent to the heterotopic gastric mucosa)
5) haemorrhage (painless bleeding is common symptom in diverticulitis)
7) intestinal obstruction from attached bands and tumours.
8)Carcinoid tumours have been often reported.
9)Other tumours arising in Meckel's diverticulum include- adenocarcinoma, villous adenoma, leiomyoma, leiomyosarcoma, malignat melanoma.
Histopathological image of Meckel's diverticulum
Heterotopic rests of gastric mucosa (low power)
Heterotopic rests of gastric mucosa (high power)
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