ABSTRACT
The vitellointestinal (omphalomesenteric) duct is an embryonic communication between the yolk sac and the midgut. A Meckel's diverticulum represents persistency and patency of the inner intestinal component of the vitellointestinal tract. The vitellointestinal band is the remnant of the duct in which the lumen has been obliterated, but a fibrous cord or band persists. This runs from the deep surface of the umbilicus to the ileum or to a Meckel's diverticulum. The Meckel's diverticulum is often bound down by remnants of the vitelline vessels from its apex and is adherent to the mesentery of the ileum. Meckel's diverticulitis is an unusual presentation in children. When it does occur, the child is assessed clinically as having acute appendicitis, but at laparotomy the appendix is found to be normal and there is an inflammatory process involving a Meckel's diverticulum. Meckel's diverticulum is the most common cause of intussusception in which a pathologic lesion at the lead point is identified.
