Location
Moultrie, GA
Start Date
17-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 1:00 PM
Description
Background
Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital malformation associated with the gastrointestinal tract. During fetal development, the vitelline duct connecting the primitive midgut to the yolk sac normally regresses between the 5th and 7th week of gestation. Persistence of this duct, from an incomplete obliteration, leads to an out-pocketing distal to the ileum. MD is commonly characterized using the “Rule of Twos”, occurs in approximately 2% of the population, measures 2 inches in length, and located about 2 feet from the ileocecal valve. Meckel’s diverticulum is known to affect males more than females and is often found in children under the age of two years old. Although typically asymptomatic, the mesodiverticular band, a fibrous remnant of the vitelline artery that connects MD to the mesentery can lead to internal herniation, bowel obstruction, volvulus, or intussusception. Additionally, the presence of ectopic gastric mucosa within MD results in hydrochloric acid secretion that can alter and damage nearby ileal mucosa leading to ulcers, pain, or other underlying GI complications.
Objective
To characterize the anatomical and histological features of Meckel’s diverticulum and evaluate their potential clinical implications.
Methods
Routine abdominal dissection of a 74-year-old male cadaver was performed by first-year medical school students in gross anatomy dissection. Following reflection of abdominal fascia and greater omentum, the small intestine was exposed by blunt dissection. An antimesenteric outpouching was identified approximately 25.4 inches proximal to the ileocecal valve. Gross examination demonstrated absence of mesenteric attachment, with continuity of the structure with the ileal wall, consistent with a diverticulum. The finding was confirmed by faculty advisor Dr. Shiv Dhiman. Biopsies were obtained from the Meckel's diverticulum, the adjacent ileum, and healthy ileal tissue to allow for histological comparison between the diverticular tissue and surrounding intestinal mucosa. Measurements and photographic documentation were also recorded upon examination.
Conclusions
Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is a congenital gastrointestinal anomaly resulting from incomplete obliteration of the vitelline duct, with no established familial predisposition. Presence of ectopic tissue in MD reinforces the pluripotent nature of the vitelline duct. Additionally, the presence of the mesodiverticular band, a remnant of the vitelline artery, further reinforces the embryological origin of MD. Symptomatic patients present in two categories: pediatric patients who exhibit abdominal pain, or unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, and adults with bowel obstruction. Pediatric populations are mostly affected by the acid secretion of the gastric mucosa resulting in ulceration. Adult populations are mostly affected by the mesodiverticular band which will obstruct nearby bowels. Diagnostic modalities include Meckel scan, capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy; however, many cases are discovered incidentally during surgical procedures due to its asymptomatic nature. Treatment involves surgical resection of MD and the adjacent ileal tissue depending on the extent of ulceration. Management of incidentally discovered Meckel’s diverticulum remains controversial, with many surgeons advocating for prophylactic resection based on the patient’s age, diverticular risks, and operative risks.
Embargo Period
5-26-2026
Included in
Anatomical and Morphological Analysis of Meckel’s Diverticulum: A Cadaveric Case Study With Clinical Correlation
Moultrie, GA
Background
Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital malformation associated with the gastrointestinal tract. During fetal development, the vitelline duct connecting the primitive midgut to the yolk sac normally regresses between the 5th and 7th week of gestation. Persistence of this duct, from an incomplete obliteration, leads to an out-pocketing distal to the ileum. MD is commonly characterized using the “Rule of Twos”, occurs in approximately 2% of the population, measures 2 inches in length, and located about 2 feet from the ileocecal valve. Meckel’s diverticulum is known to affect males more than females and is often found in children under the age of two years old. Although typically asymptomatic, the mesodiverticular band, a fibrous remnant of the vitelline artery that connects MD to the mesentery can lead to internal herniation, bowel obstruction, volvulus, or intussusception. Additionally, the presence of ectopic gastric mucosa within MD results in hydrochloric acid secretion that can alter and damage nearby ileal mucosa leading to ulcers, pain, or other underlying GI complications.
Objective
To characterize the anatomical and histological features of Meckel’s diverticulum and evaluate their potential clinical implications.
Methods
Routine abdominal dissection of a 74-year-old male cadaver was performed by first-year medical school students in gross anatomy dissection. Following reflection of abdominal fascia and greater omentum, the small intestine was exposed by blunt dissection. An antimesenteric outpouching was identified approximately 25.4 inches proximal to the ileocecal valve. Gross examination demonstrated absence of mesenteric attachment, with continuity of the structure with the ileal wall, consistent with a diverticulum. The finding was confirmed by faculty advisor Dr. Shiv Dhiman. Biopsies were obtained from the Meckel's diverticulum, the adjacent ileum, and healthy ileal tissue to allow for histological comparison between the diverticular tissue and surrounding intestinal mucosa. Measurements and photographic documentation were also recorded upon examination.
Conclusions
Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is a congenital gastrointestinal anomaly resulting from incomplete obliteration of the vitelline duct, with no established familial predisposition. Presence of ectopic tissue in MD reinforces the pluripotent nature of the vitelline duct. Additionally, the presence of the mesodiverticular band, a remnant of the vitelline artery, further reinforces the embryological origin of MD. Symptomatic patients present in two categories: pediatric patients who exhibit abdominal pain, or unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, and adults with bowel obstruction. Pediatric populations are mostly affected by the acid secretion of the gastric mucosa resulting in ulceration. Adult populations are mostly affected by the mesodiverticular band which will obstruct nearby bowels. Diagnostic modalities include Meckel scan, capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy; however, many cases are discovered incidentally during surgical procedures due to its asymptomatic nature. Treatment involves surgical resection of MD and the adjacent ileal tissue depending on the extent of ulceration. Management of incidentally discovered Meckel’s diverticulum remains controversial, with many surgeons advocating for prophylactic resection based on the patient’s age, diverticular risks, and operative risks.
Comments
Presented by Joshua Searles.