Meckel’s Diverticulum

What are the signs and symptoms of a Meckel’s diverticulum?

Many people have a Meckel's diverticulum and don’t know it. This condition rarely causes symptoms. However, a Meckel’s diverticulum can cause other conditions that will require surgical treatment, including:

1. Blockage of the small intestine: The Meckel’s diverticulum can trap the small intestine and kink it off, causing blockage of the small intestine.
2. Infection and inflammation: Sometimes the Meckel’s diverticulum becomes inflamed and infected similar to acute appendicitis.
3. Bleeding: Bleeding from Meckel’s diverticulum is not usually associated with any pain, but there can be a large amount of blood in the stool. This is often associated with lightheadedness from low blood pressure.

What tests are used to diagnose Meckel’s diverticulum?

Your child’s doctor may do tests to check for blood in the stool, a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding.

If blood is present, the doctor will order a Meckel’s scan, also known as a technetium scan. This painless nuclear medicine test uses a safe, low dosage of technetium (a radioactive metal) injected into the body. Your child will receive technetium through an intravenous (IV) line. Technetium is absorbed by the intestine and allows doctors to see details that show Meckel’s diverticulum.

The Meckel’s scan may help diagnose and identify a Meckel’s diverticulum. An ultrasound or CT scan can also sometimes identify a problem associated with a Meckel’s diverticulum.

Sometimes laparoscopic surgery is needed to find out if a patient has a problem with a Meckel’s diverticulum.

Why choose us for Meckel’s scan?

At Children’s Hospital Colorado we use diagnostic equipment specially designed for children. We’re experts in using the lowest dose of nuclear material possible, to ensure a safe, effective scan. Our staff specializes in working with kids, so we make the test as stress-free as possible.

How is a Meckel’s diverticulum treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms. If Meckel’s diverticulum is causing pain or bleeding, your child’s doctor may recommend surgery to remove the diverticulum.

Why choose us for treatment of a Meckel’s diverticulum?

At Children’s Colorado, we focus exclusively on children. Our specially trained child life specialists help prepare your child for what to expect during diagnostic testing and surgery and ease any anxiety they may have.

If your child does need surgery for Meckel’s diverticulum, our expert pediatric anesthesiology team administers general anesthesia. While no one looks forward to medical tests and surgery, we make sure to provide not only the best care for your child, but the best experience.

When it comes to surgery, our pediatric surgeons perform thousands of surgeries a year and treat more children than any hospital in the region. Being able to treat so many children means they have the experience and knowledge to provide the most accurate diagnoses and optimal treatment. If your child has been diagnosed at another hospital, our experts will even provide a second opinion to ensure that your child is receiving the best treatment.

Helpful resources

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) strives to strengthen family physicians and the communities they care for by providing information for both physicians and families about conditions like Meckel’s diverticulum.

FamilyDoctor.org is an online resource that offers medical advice from the AAFP.