In simple words: Meckel's diverticulum is a birth defect where a small pouch forms in the small intestine. This pouch is a remnant of the connection between the belly button and the gut during fetal development. Sometimes, this pouch can cause problems like bleeding or blockage in the intestine.

Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital anomaly resulting from the incomplete obliteration of the vitelline duct, also known as the omphalomesenteric duct. It appears as a small pouch located in the small intestine near the ileocecal valve. This diverticulum may contain ectopic gastric or pancreatic tissue, leading to complications such as bleeding, inflammation, or obstruction.

Example 1: A 6-month-old infant presents with painless rectal bleeding. After a thorough evaluation, including a Meckel's scan, the diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum is confirmed, and the infant undergoes surgical resection., A 2-year-old child experiences intermittent abdominal pain and vomiting. Imaging studies reveal an inflamed Meckel's diverticulum, which is subsequently removed surgically., An adult patient undergoes an incidental appendectomy during which a Meckel's diverticulum is discovered. Although asymptomatic, the diverticulum is resected to prevent future complications.

Documentation for Meckel's diverticulum should include details about the patient's symptoms, imaging findings, surgical procedure if performed, and pathology report if available. Any complications associated with the diverticulum should also be documented.