$Unique_ID{BRK00250}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{What is "Meckel's Diverticulitis"?}
$Subject{Meckel's diverticulum surgery treatment}
$Volume{N-12}
$Log{
Diverticulosis 1*0010001.scf
Diverticulosis 2*0010002.scf
Diverticulitis*0010101.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is "Meckel's Diverticulitis"?


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QUESTION:  You have discussed diverticulosis and diverticulitis on several
occasions in your column, but you always forget to mention the type of
diverticulitis I suffered from called "Meckel's Diverticulitis" and was so
serious I needed an operation to correct it.  I think your readers should be
told about this condition as well, if their understanding is to be complete.

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ANSWER:  You have an interesting, and personal perspective on diverticulitis,
and perhaps I can add a little to your knowledge as well.  Meckel's
diverticulitis is rather rare, only 1% to 2% of the population have a
"Meckels".  Its formed by a congenital "left over" from our fetal development,
and occurs when the embryonic yolk stalk does not close up, as it does in most
people.  But when it does remain, it can cause a number of problems.
Frequently it develops an infection, much the same as the appendix, and must
be removed.  If there are remnant of gastric (stomach) tissue in the pouch
that comprises the diverticulum, peptic ulceration and perforation can occur.
It it becomes chronically infected, adhesions may develop leading to
stricture of the intestines and lower obstruction of the bowel.  As a routine
procedure in all bowel surgery, the surgeon will check to see if a Meckel's
diverticulum exists, frequently removing it to prevent future complications.
The common diverticulosis and diverticulitis develop later in life, and
usually contain main out croppings of intestinal lining that form the sacs
called "diverticulum".  Since the cause of these are so different than of a
Meckel's they are not usually considered, or discussed, as if they were the
same disease.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
