- Meckel's diverticulum (ileal diverticulum): persistent proximal part of the embryonic vitello-intestinal duct, projecting from the antimesenteric border of the ileum.
- The most common true diverticulum of the gastrointestinal tract.
Development
- The vitello-intestinal (vitelline) duct connects the apex of the midgut loop to the yolk sac in intrauterine life; it normally obliterates by the sixth week of IUL.
Differences between vitello-intestinal fistula and Meckel's diverticulum
Point
Duct persistence
- Vitello-intestinal fistula
- Entire duct remains patent
- Meckel's diverticulum
- Only the proximal (ileal) part persists
Presentation
- Vitello-intestinal fistula
- Faecal discharge at the umbilicus
- Meckel's diverticulum
- Diverticulum of the ileum